Large print/enhanced image computer access products for low-vision individuals are reviewed. The products ("DP-11/Plus,""Large Print DOS,""Lyon Large Print,""PC Lens,""Vista/Vista 2," and "ZoomText") work interactively with most application programs and DOS in IBM environments. Features…

Family demographics of 8th-grade students with visual impairments (n=89), hearing impairments (n=105), deafness (n=29), and orthopedic impairments (n=60) were compared to those of 22,368 additional U.S. 8th-grade students. Analysis revealed that families of children with disabilities showed higher percentages of divorce or separation, lower family…

A young adult with multiple disabilities (profound mental retardation, spastic quadriplegia, and visual impairment) was provided with a voice output communication aid (VOCA) which allowed communication through synthesized speech. Both educational and residential staff members interacted with the individual more frequently when she had access to…

Examines literature for guiding libraries to develop services that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Presents a case of the University of Alabama Libraries' establishment of a technologies lab to serve the needs of the blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled students; examines problems and efforts to increase staff…

This article describes differences between the graphical user interface and traditional character-based interface systems, identifies potential problems posed by graphic computing environments for blind computer users, and describes some programs and strategies that are being developed to provide access to those environments. (Author/JDD)

Provides an empirical review of problems facing library users with visual impairments using computers, and reviews some of the technology that can help alleviate these problems. Highlights include software; GUI (Graphical User Interfaces); advising and training; library automation; and appendices that list further sources of relevant information.…

Written by the mother of a child with autism, this article discusses the journey from a diagnosis of autism at age 3 through the many therapies to upper grade school, where the child is doing so well that they have considered dropping the diagnosis. The miracles and hard work are discussed. (CR)

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has issued policy guidance on educating students with visual impairments. The application of the free appropriate public education requirements, least restrictive environment and placement requirements, and procedural safeguards in federal statutes are discussed. (CR)

A case study of a nine-year-old boy with visual impairments and mental retardation illustrates the importance of family-school-community partnerships when planning for students with visual impairments. A chart identifies areas for Individualized Education Program team consideration and decision-making to support the child's inclusion in the…

Outcome data from the 21st Annual Report to Congress and the National Longitudinal Transition Study for youths with visual impairments indicate that postsecondary education does not lead to increased employment opportunities. Recommendations are offered concerning agency collaboration, vocational assessment and training, social skills training,…

To address calls for restructuring and reform in the mid 1980's, educators proposed joining schools and universities in collaborative partnerships to improve education. Little attention has been given in the educational reform literature, however, to the field of teacher education for teachers of students with blindness or low vision. Reform…

Anecdotal information has recently suggested that families of infants and toddlers with disabilities in Nebraska were seeking early intervention services from providers not affiliated with the free, state-sanctioned "Early Development Network" and children's "Individualized Family Service Plans" (IFSPs). The purpose of this…

This monograph examines issues and problems involved in teaching geography concepts to visually and hearing impaired elementary school children. Some solutions are offered by providing a teaching unit for classroom use. The unit is designed to integrate and build upon the experiences and knowledge of all students in the class. The volume includes:…

This bibliography covers a wide range of issues related to the needs of adolescents and young adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities and their families. For each item in the bibliography, information provided includes author, title, source, date, and abstract. Price information is given when available. Materials include books, audiotapes,…

This paper presents some possible reasons why persons with visual impairments are under-represented in the fields of mathematics and science, including insufficient general preparation for higher education during the K-12 years and the lack of effective alternative instructional materials and methods available to a person with a visual impairment…