This project compared the relative physical fitness levels of 30 visually handicapped/blind students (aged 7-18) at a residential school with that of non-handicapped peers, to develop a school-based fitness and nutrition intervention program and determine impact of the intervention. The compounding handicapping nature of fitness deficits and blindness is discussed, and previous programmatic fitness research is reviewed. The project involved assessing students' cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and nutritional status. Pre-intervention characteristics showed that the experimental group was heavier, had a larger value for the sum of skinfolds, and had smaller mid-arm circumference measures than the controls. Post-intervention measures indicated significant changes in heart rates during submaximal exercise and a decrease in sum of skinfolds for the experimental group. The only dietary intake variable to show a significant change for the experimental group between pre- and post-intervention was an increase in protein consumed. Appendices include screening tools for exercise testing; sample blood chemistry profile; National Center for Health Statistics growth charts; norms for tricep skinfold, mid-arm circumference, and mid-arm muscle circumference; food intake records; and nutrition intervention information. A 7-page bibliography is also included. (JDD)