A survey of 166 employed persons with visual impairments investigated major barriers to employment, how these barriers were overcome, and their perceptions on why they were successful in overcoming barriers when many individuals are not successful. Results of the survey indicate that the primary barriers to employment were employer attitudes,…

This paper examines the goal of providing transparent computer access to people with disabilities, especially those with visual impairments. First, four basic strategies to provide this population with access to technology are identified: (1) building features into the computer, operating system, or application programs; (2) using adaptive…

This article presents conceptual models of relationships between print size and reading speed and preferred viewing distances. These models illustrate how various factors can influence reading behaviors and influence decisions about the optimal angular size of print and resolution reserve. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article reviews studies that have attempted to increase three types of social skills in blind and visually impaired individuals: assertiveness training, interactional skills, and skills in physical expression. Most of the studies reported increased social skills following intervention; however, many did not report empirical evidence of…

A meaningful classification for living, work, and education was achieved by grouping 159 persons who were blind or visually impaired into 5 groups ranging from low to high functioning, according to 7 independent living skills: family responsibility; health and hygiene; legal awareness; community awareness; money management; social/interpersonal…

Four brief notes offer practical suggestions for persons working with the visually impaired, including teaching handwriting skills to blinded adults; improving reading comprehension skills; facilitating independent mobility with an electrically powered wheelchair; and utilizing telecommunications. (DB)

A survey of 75 countries investigated jobs performed by adults with visual impairments throughout the world. Although there is a greater diversity in the range of jobs in developed countries, people who are visually impaired do not have the same range of opportunities available to them as sighted people. (Contains references.) (CR)

This paper provides a summary of thoughts, resources, ideas, and a review of the state-of-the-art provisions of vocational assessment services for the visually impaired. The paper is organized in seven sections. The first section provides definitions of vocational assessment and the related terms of career assessment, educational/psychological…

This article discusses developments in information technology that underscore the need for greater awareness, facilitation of universal design, and a focus on nontechnological barriers to implementing technology. Trends in mainstream products and assistive technology are summarized and suggestions for analyzing products for accessibility and for…

This article describes the activities of two consortia that consist of individuals who assist people who are blind and visually impaired to secure employment. Consortia members are direct service employment specialists who focus on five critical activities: preparing consumers for job seeking, job development, placement, follow-up, and job…

This article describes how the self-confrontation method (SCM) can help people cope with visual impairment. The actual impact of the impairment can be studied by establishing how being visually impaired is expressed in self-narratives. The different phases of SCM are explained and two case studies are presented. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This study measured the impact of vocational rehabilitation services on New Jersey Hispanics with blindness/visual impairments. Findings suggested that Hispanic clients had limited participation in rehabilitation programs aimed at career development, compared to Black and White clients. Hispanic clients were also less likely to be gainfully…

This paper describes a summer program teaching independent living skills to 20 adults with visual impairments. Results suggest the program had a lasting and profound impact on clients' previously low knowledge of job hunting, decision making, stress management, and self-care skills. Interaction with other adults with visual impairments and…

This article reports the results of a 1987-88 follow-up study of 69 legally blind persons who were children in a 1973-74 study. The variables of psychosocial characteristics, education, employment, transportation, and leisure activities were compared to earlier prognoses. Overall, it was found subjects were functioning as well as or better than…

The 1990 Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute addressed the theme "Funding Drives Service Decisions: A Moral Dilemma." Institute participants identified specific dilemmas related to legislation, funding, and placement issues in education and rehabilitation of visually handicapped individuals. Participants subsequently generated solutions in…