The problems of providing sensory aids for the blind are presented and a report on the present status of aids discusses direct translation and recognition reading machines as well as mobility aids. Aspects of required research considered are the following: assessment of needs; vision, audition, taction, and multimodal communication; reading aids, including individual devices and service centers; and mobility aids. The evaluation of reading machines and mobility devices, the introduction or deployment of new devices or techniques, and recommendations for a long range program are also considered. (RJ)