This study examined the relationship between degree of visual impairment and the self-reports of psychological distress by 167 Icelanders (ages 18-69) and 100 between the ages of 70-97, who were blind or had low vision. The study found that self-reports of psychological distress and perceptions of unhappiness varied significantly with the degree…

This article discusses the evolution of the group model for the Adaptive Skills Program used by the New York Lighthouse Vision Rehabilitation Services. Recommendations are provided for program site selection, transportation, consumer selection and group size, program schedule, and curriculum. The benefits of group instruction are described.…

Reviews various models used for delivering personal adjustment services to individuals with visual impairments, including center-based services and home-based services. Addresses the need to individualize the rehabilitation process by determining the type of program and service delivery that best meets an individual's needs. (CR)

Three adults with intellectual and visual disabilities were taught vocationally relevant tasks through the use of a self-operated verbal instruction system. Data showed that during the training all participants achieved percentages of correct task performance exceeding 90. Use of instructional clusters was effective in maintaining high levels of…

A 3-YEAR DEMONSTRATION PROJECT WAS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE BLIND WITH MOBILITY INSTRUCTION, TO SHOW AGENCIES AND COMMUNITIES THE NEED FOR SUCH INSTRUCTION, AND TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT MOTIVATION AND MOBILITY. OF THE 73 BLIND PERSONS IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY (NORTH CAROLINA) WHO INQUIRED BY INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION OR WERE REFERRED BY OTHER…

This report is the result of a conference that examined major civil rights issues facing people who are blind and visually impaired in Illinois and is intended to inform the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights concerning issues of equal protection. The introductory chapter reviews leading types and causes of blindness and visual impairment, incidence…

This study used case closure data to investigate the demographic and disability characteristics, service, and outcomes of 36,497 consumers who are blind or visually impaired served in state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs. By contrasting key measures reported by separate blindness agencies and general agencies, findings indicate:…

This report discusses the outcomes of a study that examined employment issues for people with serious visual impairments. The study reviewed data from the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Survey that included 128,001 people (ages 18-69) with and without visual impairments. Chapter 1 highlights age (seen as lifestage) and health status as…

A study involving 50 rehabilitation professionals, 264 rehabilitation clients, 90 adults with blindness, and 267 employers, identified factors that lead to or impede competitive job placements for clients of a state blindness rehabilitation agency. Also identified were services that employers felt would assist them in hiring or retaining clients.…

This article describes the Miniguide, a new electronic travel device that assists people in moving about in a range of environments. The Miniguide is held in the palm and is used to scan left to right when walking. It provides vibratory feedback to the hand when it detects an obstacle. (Contains 5 references.) (CR)

Thirty-one machinists (blind, sighted, and visually impaired) answered questions about trust, resource sharing, and empowerment in work relationships. Employees with low vision were the least trusting and trusted, received the fewest shared resources, and reported proportionately more disempowering relationships. More educated employees saw more…

A survey of teachers of the visually impaired and adults with albinism or parents of children with albinism (total responses=144) found no use of Braille by the adults or children with albinism, awareness of the condition by almost all teachers, support for mainstreaming by all, and specific teaching suggestions from teachers. (DB)

This article proposes a four-component framework for understanding the literacy of individuals with visual impairments, and defines two levels of literacy--basic (or academic) and functional (or practical) literacy. Implications are drawn for development of self-advocacy skills, development of standards for judging literacy in this population, and…

Seven visually impaired men in India were interviewed regarding their attitudes toward integration and the problems they were facing. Their Intelligence Quotients and levels of anxiety were also assessed. It was found that, for successful mainstreaming, the characteristics of individuals are as important as the social environments in which they…

Discusses providing culturally competent services to individuals with visual impairments and seven cultural values: communication, health beliefs and practice, family structure, attitudes toward authority, etiquette, expectations of "helping," and time orientation. Provides suggestions for meeting cross-cultural challenges through skills used in…