The author concludes that both public school and residential programs will continue to operate and that cooperation between them may increase thus creating a favorable climate for the provision of a continuum of appropriate educational services for visually impaired children. (Author)

This article compares residential and day school programs for children with blindness, from the perspective of a special educator with 50 years' experience. The roles of mainstreaming and teacher education are also considered. Four specific suggestions are offered for strengthening cooperative efforts between residential and day programs. (JDD)

This article proposes that residential schools for children with visual impairments provide direct services to mainstreamed children, including occasional withdrawal to the residential school for instruction in specific skill areas unique to visual impairment including sports, computer training, tactile graphics, Braille music, and daily living…

This article offers a history of special California schools for children with blindness since the mid-1950s, from the perspective of a special educator. It points out that the two delivery systems of regular schools and special schools should not work in competition but in cooperation to develop the best education for meeting students' needs. (JDD)

This article attempts to refocus special education upon the child and away from the "least restrictive alternative" continuum, through proposing the adoption of an array of equally acceptable educational options which might include mainstreaming for part of the day, resource room instruction, and outreach teacher consultation and summer programs…

This paper examines research and literature related to the education of Virginia students who are deaf or hearing impaired, blind or visually impaired, or multihandicapped. The paper discusses legal considerations such as least restrictive environment and other variables required to be considered when determining appropriate service delivery…

A national survey of teachers of the hearing impaired (n=313) in either nonintegrated classes in residential schools and day programs, or in integrated settings in regular public schools, or in itinerant programs examined perceptions of the competencies most critical to their job. Similarities and differences in teacher competencies across service…

Short-term placements of children with visual impairments in residential schools for the visually impaired are presented as a feasible solution to difficulties experienced by these children in regular classrooms. The article discusses the duration, goals, implementation, evaluation, and administrative considerations of these placements and…

The paper examines state policies relevant to current alternative educational environments in each state's continuum of services for handicapped children. The analysis resulted from a review of information about program models in state special education regulations and state annual program plans. State descriptions of available program models fit…