Discusses the growing ethnic and cultural diversity of the student population and the challenges this presents in teaching English Braille. The need to first address the student's competence in spoken English before teaching Braille is stressed. Using grade one Braille for teaching ethnically diverse students is recommended. (CR)

Reviews the literature on teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to, and research on the acquisition of first and second language by, students with visual impairments and sighted students. The need for close cooperation between vision teachers and ESL teachers is discussed. (Author/CR)

Analysis of completed surveys from 230 teachers of blind and visually impaired learners found that preservice training programs emphasizing the methodology of teaching Braille and the development of tactual perception tended to produce teachers who have positive attitudes toward Braille and feel competent in teaching Braille to children. (DB)

This article describes major issues in teaching Braille to students with acquired visual disability and presents results of a survey of 22 teachers of students with visual impairments in Texas. The survey addressed demographic characteristics, instructional schedules, materials, and instructional methods. Results have implications for development…

A nationwide survey of braille instructors in adult rehabilitation centers found that: most teachers taught braille to fewer than 20 percent of clients; few taught complex reading skills; instructors' attitudes were influenced by their training site, type of college degree, and degree of vision; and teaching behaviors were affected by teaching…

A survey of teachers of the visually impaired and adults with albinism or parents of children with albinism (total responses=144) found no use of Braille by the adults or children with albinism, awareness of the condition by almost all teachers, support for mainstreaming by all, and specific teaching suggestions from teachers. (DB)

Three blind university students used a computer-generated tachistoscope-like display of electronic braille in an effort to increase reading speeds. Results did not indicate conclusively that such a program is effective in increasing reading speed while maintaining comprehension or in maintaining speed following the withdrawal of treatment. (JDD)

Suggests resources for school librarians who need materials for visually impaired or blind students. Highlights include the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; Louis Database of Accessible Materials for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired; Braille books; large print books, audio books; assistive technology; and…

The Braille Readiness Skills Grid identifies activities and skills that foster braille readiness in children with visual impairments. The grid assesses five readiness areas: tactile, fine motor, listening/attention, concept, and book/story. It is intended to encourage systematic braille readiness activities from infancy and foster children's…

In cooperation with a network of regional and subregional libraries, the Library of Congress provides a free library service to persons who are unable to read or use standard printed materials because of a visual or physical impairment. Books and magazines in recorded form (talking books) or in braille are delivered to eligible readers by…

This report describes activities and recommendations of the Texas Commission on Braille Textbook Production, which monitors the acquisition Commission on Braille Textbook Production. The primary purpose of the commission is to monitor the expeditious acquisition of publisher computerized files in the form of textbook diskettes which are needed for…

Three short articles about tactile illustrating are presented for braille transcribers and teachers of the visually handicapped. Some transcribers have been making tactile maps with water areas textured and land masses smooth; the first article reports on the confusion these "reversed maps" cause braille readers and gives additional tips…

The final volume (the fifth in the series and the fourth curriculum guide) in Project Teach 'n' Reach, a program designed to teach nondisabled students about disabilities, focuses on physical disabilities. Information on goals, performance objectives, and activity procedures are presented for topics dealing with physical and health impairments,…