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 article reviews recent research on perception of tangible pictures in sighted and blind people. Haptic picture naming accuracy is dependent upon familiarity and access to semantic memory, just as in visual recognition. Performance is high when haptic picture recognition tasks do not depend upon semantic memory. Viewpoint matters for the ease…

This article describes the work of a group of professionals in the United Kingdom known as the VIEW Braille Literacy Committee, committed to the development of teaching braille. Members meet each school term and have had the support of the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) in realizing numerous projects aimed at improving access to…

Three short articles about mathematics and science braille are provided for braille transcribers and teachers of the visually handicapped. The first article discusses the differences between the rules for English textbook format and the Nemeth Braille Code (for mathematics, science, and notation) format in transcribing the mathematical section of…

A team of behavior modification specialists observed the self-care behavior of 30 severely and profoundly retarded blind men (22-to 51-years-old) in a state institution prior to implementing training programs in basic self-care skills. (LH)

The report details the development and design of a mechanical hand for communicating with deaf blind persons. It is explained that the device, which looks and functions like the human hand, forms the symbols of the one-hand manual alphabet upon command from a standard electric typewriter keyboard. The report addresses the following topics (sample…

Part I gives a detailed description of the services provided by the Division for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress. The division serves the reading needs of these people by reproducing books on microgroove disc, magnetic tape, tape cassette, and in various forms of braille. The author estimates that there are at least…

Article discusses means and methods of teaching blind adults and enriching their learning experiences. (PD)

Two short articles about tactile illustrating are presented for braille transcribers and teachers of the visually handicapped. Focusing on tactile graphics, the first article discusses the conversion of significant print graphic information to the clearest, most factually legible form possible. Tips for achieving factual legibility and the…

Reports an investigation concerning whether additional concrete experiences with objects will foster the logical development of blind children. The success of the Adapting Science Materials for the Blind (ASMB) units for various goals and various learner groups are discussed and tentative conclusions drawn. Significant gains were made. (EB)

This paper describes changes in speech perception performance of deaf children using cochlear implants, tactile aids, or conventional hearing aids over a three-year period. Eleven of the 13 children with cochlear implants were able to identify words on the basis of auditory consonant cues. Significant lipreading enhancement was also achieved with…

Addressed to docents, the manual presents general guidelines for making public tours of museums, historic buildings, and zoos more accessible to handicapped persons. Information on eight major disability groups is provided (mental retardation, learning disabilities, hearing impairments, visual handicaps, mobility impairments, cerebral palsy,…

Provided in the manual are 15 units of sequential instructional materials designed to teach blind elementary students to read standard print through the use of the Optacon, an optical-to-tactile converter manufactured by Telesensory Systems, Inc. The materials allow for individualized rate of student progress, integration of numeral and letter…

The instructional materials packet contains 15 units of sequential activities designed to teach blind secondary students to read standard print through the use of the Optacon, an optical-to-tactile converter manufactured by Telesensory Systems, Inc. The materials help the teacher monitor student progress on a unit to unit basis; diagnose reading…

Speech recognition technology helps people with disabilities interact with computers more easily. People with motor limitations, who cannot use a standard keyboard and mouse, can use their voices to navigate the computer and create documents. The technology is also useful to people with learning disabilities who experience difficulty with spelling…