This study of 36 adults with visual impairments found that self-esteem was related to 3 self-report measures of skills: dependence on others, difficulty with daily living skills, and motivation to learn. Relationships were found between educational level and self-esteem, educational level and the three measures of skills, and employment status and…

This article identifies the potential affect of alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) on people who are blind or visually impaired, the barriers to providing effective AODA services for those people, and strategies for improving services for people with coexisting blindness or visual impairments and AODA. (Contains references.) (CR)

A study examined associations between bilateral visual acuity and depression among 391 Cuban Americans, 1,514 Mexican Americans, and 527 Puerto Ricans. Among Mexicans, depression was higher for those with moderate and greater impairment. Among Cubans, depression was higher for those with a distance visual acuity worse than 20/50. (Contains…

A team of behavior modification specialists observed the self-care behavior of 30 severely and profoundly retarded blind men (22-to 51-years-old) in a state institution prior to implementing training programs in basic self-care skills. (LH)

The video and standard audio portions of 2 television programs were presented to 25 adults with low vision and 24 adults with normal vision; 29 additional subjects only heard the standard audio portions. Subjects then answered questions based on audio descriptions (AD) provided by Descriptive Video Service. Results indicated that some AD…

Six hearing-impaired and 14 hearing adults, all with normal vision, viewed segments of captioned movies on television under 5 conditions of blur. The study found that, if a person has even a slight visual problem, the caption letters under normal television viewing conditions are too small for maximum reading performance. (Author/JDD)

This survey of 110 adults in 24 states examined how adults with visual disabilities arrange transportation, what they perceive to be sources of frustration regarding their nondriving status, how nondriving affects their lifestyles, and the understanding demonstrated by others of the logistical and psychosocial impact of being a nondriver.…

This article reports on a small-group job-seeking skills program implemented at a rehabilitation center for adults with visual impairments. The methods used to help participants increase their employability are described, and characteristics of the program and participants which contributed to its success are discussed. (Author/PB)

Twenty students and 45 adults with visual impairments or blindness were administered a test of tactile concentration and short-term memory involving the reproduction of the order of finger stimulation using the Finger Knocking Box. Reliability and validity scores indicated encouraging results with use of the instrument. (JDD)

This article describes the development and pilot testing of a curriculum to teach rape prevention and self-defense skills to visually impaired women. As a result of the course, five visually impaired women improved their physical self-defense skills, self-confidence, and problem-solving ability in hypothetically dangerous situations. (Author/DB)

A study involving 38 specialized preservice programs for teachers and orientation and mobility instructors working with children and adults with visual impairments found that they teach their students how to teach a range of social skills through offering courses or infusing social-skills concepts into existing courses. (CR)

Excerpts from an interview with an Asian-American woman about her views on aspects of her life illustrate key issues related to the cultural implications of having a visual impairment. Suggestions for professionals who work with Asian-American or Pacific-Islander clients are also presented. (Author/CR)

Highlights ways that prospective employees with visual impairments can alleviate employers' safety concerns by demonstrating how they will function safely in the workplace, by illustrating their training in safety procedures and in using job-related equipment, and by describing their adaptive safety techniques, particularly if taking care of…

Some of the problems the Americans with Disabilities Act is causing for individuals with visual impairments are discussed in this article, including the status of the process of accommodations and difficulties with the process of requesting accommodations. The need for rehabilitation professionals to understand the obstacles to requesting…

This monograph serves as a guide to career development and transition planning for youths with blindness and low vision. An introductory chapter provides a sketch of the history of organized work for the blind in America as well as a set of narrative definitions of terms frequently used in the literature of special education, vocational education,…