Participant-observation was used to evaluate the social behavior of 20 visually handicapped juniors and seniors in a residential school for the blind. Analysis revealed that the behavior observed was fairly typical of social behavior expected by sighted adolescents in any school setting. (Author/SW)

The article reviews the use and limitations of medical and behavioral approaches (restraints, shock, drugs, punishment and aversive stimulation, reinforcement of incompatible behaviors, and overcorrection) to reduce self injury in visually impaired, mentally retarded persons. Legal and ethical considerations are pointed out. (Author/CL)

The on-task behavior of a visually impaired 11 year-old increased from 49 percent to 96 percent over a nine-week period when she received tokens and social reinforcement for on-task behavior and assignment completion. (Author/CL)

The responses of 195 parents/guardians and 109 staff showed strong agreement about the need for instruction in human sexuality for children with sensory impairments. The survey confirmed the idea that parents and staff are not only supportive but are eager for instruction to begin in this area. (Author/CL)

In the followup to a study conducted in 1977, the 50 state departments of education were resurveyed to determine the availability of orientation and mobility specialists for the visually impaired in the public schools. A definite trend was found toward increasing the availability of these specialists. (Author)

Discusses the practical problems accompanying the teaching of chemistry to visually impaired students, including communication problems, improvement of lecturing, laboratory orientation, and safety considerations. (CS)

Trends in the education of the gifted handicapped student are briefly reviewed, three model projects funded by the Bureau of Education for the Handicapped (now the Office of Special Education) are described, and several devices to aid the gifted handicapped are pointed out. (SB)

The evaluation tool described has as its foundation the measurement of behavior change in children and is used to help determine whether practicum students are meeting faculty expectations and employing the essential ingredients of the training program during their practice teaching experience. (Author/DLS)

The authors outline a number of problems that educators encounter in competency based teacher education development, including the issue of generic v cross categorical training, and time and cost-effectiveness. The Project SERVE training model for teachers of the multiply handicapped, visually impaired is summarized to illustrate the functionality…

A pilot study was conducted to provide a preliminary assessment of the validity and usefulness of the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) as a teacher aid for individualized educational program (IEP) development and educational programing for 21 visually handicapped students (9 to 15 years old). (Author/SBH)

The study investigated the effects of two psychological education programs (Developing Understanding of Self and Others--DUSO, and Human Development Program--HDP or Magic Circle) on the affective growth of 42 visually impaired children in grades kindergarten through 3. (Author/SBH)

Four subjects, aged six to seven, identified as visually impaired, were given training in making eye contact with a stimulus under both white and black light visual field. All subjects performed better under the black light condition, even overcoming the expected practice effect when white light training followed black light training. (Author/SJL)

The article stresses the need for systematic studies on the effectiveness and utility of products designed for the visually handicapped and identifies exemplary procedures and common methodological problems (using 7 Optacon--Optical to Tactile Converter--studies as a basis). Research methodology is discussed in terms of sampling techniques, data…

The article reports pilot and experimental studies using group structures to teach six blind young adults the use of social negotiation skills and to increase their self confidence. It was concluded that the procedure was largely successful and 10 recommendations, such as the use of individual counseling in addition to group work, are listed. (PHR)

The results of an experiment on the usefulness of closed circuit television (CCTV) for 106 partially sighted visitors to a library in Copenhagen, Denmark, is presented. A large percentage of participants who had been unable to read before the experiment found that they could read with CCTV. (Author)