This article reviews literature on the issue of whether it is preferable to teach students literacy skills using large print or using standard print with optical devices. Findings indicate reading standard print with optical devices is as effective a literacy medium as large print and, perhaps, a more effective one. (Contains references.) (CR)

A survey examined attitudes of teachers toward children with visual impairment and implications for inclusion. Teachers with direct or indirect experience with students with either low vision or blindness held a more positive attitude toward inclusion than randomly selected teachers, but only toward students with low vision. Teachers demonstrated…

A survey examined attitudes of teachers toward children with visual impairment and implications for inclusion. Teachers with direct or indirect experience with students with either low vision or blindness held a more positive attitude toward inclusion than randomly selected teachers, but only toward students with low vision. Teachers demonstrated…

This study assesses the validity of an interview questionnaire designed to predict performance by low-vision adults (N=41) on tasks of finding, detecting, scanning, and tracking. Subjects' ratings of difficulty with these tasks were compared to ratings of trained professionals. Results indicate self-report may be of some value in predicting…

The article describes the development of a visual assessment and training program designed to predict initial and final low-vision mobility performance. The program's tasks were determined to be better predictors of visual performance than existing clinical measures, and task learning could be transferred to real-life mobility situations.…

Students with monocular vision may be in need of special assistance and should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team to determine whether the visual loss is affecting educational performance. This article discusses the student's eligibility for special services, difficulty in performing depth perception tasks, difficulties in specific classroom…

This study, involving 20 children (ages 6-12) with legal blindness or partial sight, explored the relationships between ability to read and performance on tasks which require the manipulation of figure/ground relations. Significant differences were found between fluent readers and poor readers/nonreaders on four of the six tasks. No age…

This study compared improvements in visual function of 20 Spanish children with low vision, ages 4 to 6 years. Children received either the Barraga and Morris program or the Frostig program, or placebo control or no treatment. No significant differences between treatment groups were found. (DB)

Initial reading speeds across grades show points at which children with low vision are at risk of developing low literacy skills. Outcome group measures showed that 185 children (grades preK-12) who received optical devices increased their silent reading speeds and comprehension rates. Findings indicate optical devices assist in deciphering text.…

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…

Fifty partially sighted children (7 to 18 years old) were studied along 143 variables to provide a comprehensive profile in the areas of cognitive, psychomotor, academic, and neuropsychological development. The Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery was the principal data collection instrument, supplemented by the Stephen's Piagetian Battery…

An orientation and mobility curriculum developed in Tulare County, California, includes 30 units for legally blind, partially sighted, multi-impaired, and low functioning sighted students in grades K through 12. Each section includes eight steps to teach basic concepts. Assessment guidelines are used to determine strengths and deficiencies. The 30…

Designed for educational psychologists, the paper discusses the range of tests used for assessing visually handicapped children. Specific tests used in Britain for preschool children (including the Williams Intelligence Test for Children with Defective Vision and the Social Maturity Scale for Blind Pre-school Children) and for school aged children…

Reported is an international survey on training and employment opportunities for the visually handicapped. Described are responses to a questionnaire carried out jointly by the Committee on Professional and Urban Employment of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind, The International Labor Organization and the Swedish National Labor Market…