Studies show that assistive technology tools have provided opportunities for the visually impaired in some developed countries to pursue mathematics programmes and foster inclusive education. However, their counterparts in developing countries sparingly participate in any mathematical activity due to low knowledge and use of these tools. The main…

We would describe teaching literacy through braille as one of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of the role of a Qualified Teacher for the Visually Impaired (QTVI). This article focuses on teaching literacy through braille in mainstream settings whilst promoting inclusion and meeting the social-emotional needs of children who use braille.…

This article clarifies literacy issues that affect the achievement and performance of students with severe visual impairments. The article discusses the nature of the braille code and offers suggestions and strategies for helping children with limited sight overcome difficulties and for making braille and print accessible for group activities.…

Two experiments with a total of 92 elementary grade blind students were conducted to determine the effects of training blind students in shape recognition accuracy and speed and accuracy of locating shapes on a tactile map by using a distinctive features analysis strategy and line tracing. (Author/DB)

A 3-year study involving 15 teachers and 15 students with visual impairments (grades K-4) evaluated the impact of the Mountbatten Brailler when used in a literacy instruction project. Teachers reported students were more motivated to write when they used the Mountbatten Brailler than when using the Perkins Brailler. (Contains 3 references.) (CR)

This bibliography is designed to aid in the selection of literature for visually impaired or physically handicapped students between second and sixth grades. It lists selected fiction books available on disc, on cassette, or in braille in network library collections provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped…

A Beginning Braille Reading Series was designed to eliminate or minimize problems which are unique to children who must learn to read using the braille code. (Author/PHR)

Israeli programs that have been used to teach children to read Hebrew braille are described, and a reading scheme called "Secrets and Surprises" is presented. The method uses an eclectic approach, emphasizes comprehension and the communicative element of reading, and offers a variety of presentation modes to meet individual students'…

Four children with cerebral visual impairment caused by periventricular leukomalacia were followed for two years during their process of learning to read in mainstream classes. Two of the children were offered both Braille and print reading as reading media. The other two children read ordinary print without special teaching. Differences in…

One of a series of children's books written from the point of view of an elementary grade child with a disability or other problem, the stories emphasize similarities in childhood experience while providing information specific to the disability. In this book, 11-year-old Renaldo, visually impaired since birth, sets up a greeting card service for…

Provided in the second of two articles is further evidence of the validity of the author's sequence of tactual discrimination tasks for partial development of Optacon use readiness in young blind children. (IM)

Teachers from a residential school (n=30) and a public school district (n=13) that serve children with visual impairments read scenarios of children with various eye conditions and abilities, and chose a primary literacy medium for each child. The teachers differed in their attitudes toward the use of braille. (Author/CR)

This annotated bibliography comprises an alphabetical listing of 34 books on circuses available in special formats. The list has books about true circus stories; make believe stories; and circus animals. The reading levels of the books range from preschool through junior high school. Formats included in the bibliography are cassette books; braille…

This annotated bibliography comprises an alphabetical listing of 40 books about Florida available in special formats. The list has books about going barefoot; the Florida beaches and inlands; and general beach stories. The reading levels of the books range from preschool through junior high school. Formats included in the bibliography are cassette…