Ten children (ages 7-10) with visuoperceptual problems were compared to sighted children on lexical decision tasks with words, nonwords, and format distorted items. The partially sighted children relied on phonological mediation as well as the "visual" route in word recognition. Regularity effects, as well as effects of intact and disrupted…

This article illustrates use of the alternating treatment design to assess effectiveness of individualized interventions in low vision rehabilitation. The design was used to determine whether enlarging copy (to one of two magnification levels) and adding contrast would be effective in reducing the time a visually impaired student required to read…

Describes a qualitative study that explored 12 older adults' successful adjustment to vision loss. These individuals identified factors (internal and external resources) related to their successful adjustment and offered advice to others facing the challenges of visual impairment. (DB)

Discusses the development and implementation of the low-vision-therapist certification through the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Credentials for professionals in low vision are described, along with required written examination, and the role of the low-vision therapist. (CR)

This article presents a literature-based overview of emergent literacy and explores the fit between emergent literacy and the learning needs of children who are blind or visually impaired. Components of emergent literacy--reading aloud, concept of a symbol, emergent writing, and literacy environments--are discussed and applied to children with…

This article examines Windows 95, pointing out differences and improvements from Windows 3.1 for persons with low vision. Windows 95 is seen as providing substantially greater accessibility than Windows 3.1, though the graphical user interface may still pose serious problems for some users with low vision. (DB)

Thirty-seven students who were blind or had low vision listed as many examples of 10 categories as they could and the prototype order of examples was scored. No differences between blind or low-vision students were found, but categories with which the students had a greater degree of direct sensory experience produced more examples and higher…

Blind and partially sighted high school students were trained to serve as paid assistants to a residential school speech therapist during a 3-year pilot program designed to provide extra-class practice for younger visually impaired children with speech and hearing problems. (LH)

Recent emphasis on career education in elementary and secondary schools has led the American Foundation for the Blind to promote activities to develop relevant resources and materials for use with blind and partially sighted students. (LH)

Intended for teacher educators, the document provides four presentations on the methods and effectiveness of the Braille Speed Reading Institute. A general background of the Institute by A. Ensign traces the development of the project from a request made by a teacher of the blind and partially sighted to the completion and finalization of details…

This selective, annotated bibliography covers library service to the blind, partially sighted, and physically handicapped who are unable to use conventional printed materials. Coverage is limited to library-related activities in the United States, including items on services, programs, projects, and materials in libraries of all types. The 119…

This handbook discusses radio services delivered to the blind and to other individuals with restricted access to print materials. It consists of four sections: management issues, including planning and finance; programing and outreach services, including recruitment and utilization of volunteers; and technical considerations for using the…

The effects of positive reinforcement on an 8-year-old partially sighted girl's visual academic performance were assessed, using a multiple baseline design that involved tasks of matching and of counting number sets. (Author/DLS)

A systematic program of visual stimulation involves identification of partial sightedness in the first year of life and appropriate challenges at every developmental stage for achievement in a world of functional reality. (Author/MC)