The article outlines advantages and limitations of five types of access to microcomputer technology for visually impaired students: electronic braille, paper braille, Optacon, synthetic speech, and enlarged print. Additional considerations in access decisions are noted. (CL)

Contributions that have been and will be made by science and technology in reducing the handicaps experienced by blind and visually impaired individuals are reviewed. The contributions are examined in terms of two major categories of handicap: communication and mobility. (Author/DB)

The resource book is designed to help in delivering materials and services to visually handicapped students. A flow chart describes a materials delivery system, and separate sections address information (such as acquisition, production, duplication, materials needed, and alternatives) for braille, large print, and tape. Other considerations…

The article presents a two-phase process for use by multidisciplinary teams making decisions on the reading medium for students with visual impairments. The first phase is a diagnostic teaching phase to guide initial decision making. The second phase, continued evaluation, leads to ongoing adjustment of the selected medium or media. (Author/DB)

A study of the reading competence of 25 visually impaired pupils in Sweden followed subjects from 1988 to 1991. Neither visual acuity, reading media, optical aids, nor reading distance were clearly related to reading competence. Rather, good readers were students who scored higher on verbal cognitive tests and had a greater interest in reading as…

Suggests guidelines for creating World Wide Web sites that accommodate those using speech or braille aids. Hypertext Markup Language coding should provide (1) one-column format rather than side-by-side columns; (2) stand-alone hyperlinks; (3) "ALT=" attributes for image displays; (4) text alternatives to images or image maps as links or…

This document presents reports of three projects to identify and analyze the appropriate use of instruction in Braille, optical devices, and other technologies as they relate to literacy and employment of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The first project examined the choice of reading medium of 68 individuals (blind or visually…

Reports some of the current research taking place in Great Britain on designing text for visually impaired readers. Topics discussed include large print; Braille; instructional videotapes and how they can be improved; and developments in electronic text, including reformatting, compact disks, and electronic newspapers. (18 references) (LRW)

This book presents an introduction to the range of technology that can be used to assist in the education of students with visual impairments, with descriptions of the main features of approximately 45 systems. After an introductory chapter, Chapter 1 identifies four key uses for technology: in communication, in the production of materials, to…

Designed to assist in the selection of appropriate literacy media for students with visual impairments, this guide outlines the essential elements of learning media assessments. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the learning media assessment (LMA) process. Included is a discussion of Texas law and regulations that govern LMA. Chapter 2 documents…

This directory, accompanied by a CD-ROM, is a broad-based compilation of schools, agencies, organizations, and programs in the governmental and private, non-profit sectors that provides a wide variety of direct and indirect services, information, and other assistance to individuals with blindness or visual impairments. Organized information on…

This final report describes the design, development, and testing of the Multiple Output Sensory Trainer (MOST), a computer-based system which enables the evaluation of students with visual impairments to determine the optimal combination of sensory adaptive aids to meet their needs. The system uses multimedia devices in conjunction with customized…

This manual assists in developing educational goals and Individual Education Plans for children with visual impairments, by providing guidelines for selecting appropriate learning media for optimum literacy development. Part 1 describes the target populations, the members of the interdisciplinary team, and the team members' responsibilities. Part…

This brochure describes the different types of barriers individuals with mobility impairments, blindness, low vision, hearing impairments, and specific learning disabilities face in providing computer input, interpreting output, and reading documentation. The adaptive hardware and software that has been developed to provide functional alternatives…

This reference circular lists devices designed to provide people who have visual or physical disabilities with access to printed information. The circular includes devices that hold a book or turn the pages of a book, that magnify print material either manually or electronically, and that convert print into braille or synthetic speech. Listings…