Visually impaired persons (N=1,657) from 20 national rehabilitation centers in Japan and 230 patients of a low vision clinic were surveyed to gather information on patients' age, sex, cause of disorder, visual acuity, and results of treatment and rehabilitation. (Author/JDD)

The Christoffel-Blindenmission helps support 26 schools, centers, and rehabilitation programs for individuals with visual impairments in South America. This article discusses the organization's limited use of foreign specialists to discourage overdependency on the agency and to encourage local personnel to establish their own programs. (Author/JDD)

This article presents information on macular degeneration for professionals helping persons with this disease adjust to their visual loss. It covers types of macular degeneration, the etiology of the disease, and its treatment. Also considered are psychosocial problems and other difficulties that persons with age-related macular degeneration face.…

This article addresses the types of visual impairment caused by diabetes and the unique problems that people with diabetes and visual impairment face. Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic optic neuropathy are discussed as causes of visual impairment, and specific problems in basic living are identified, including diet,…

Briefly described is a sample 10-week program combining a supportive environment for the exchange of ideas, a support group, and a learning opportunity for individuals with both diabetes and visual impairment. (DB)

Briefly described is a support network created by the National Federation of the Blind, which publishes an outreach publication, has formed specialized committees to serve members with specific ramifications of diabetes, and maintains a list of aids and devices to allow blind people with diabetes to manage their disease by themselves. (DB)

A survey of 51 teachers licensed to teach children with visual disabilities in Minnesota found they had high abilities for using references when transcribing Braille, producing Braille with Braillewriters, interlining Braille, and using software for Braille transcription, low abilities for writing with slate and stylus and that few had Braille…

A survey of 13 dog-guide schools found that, in the majority of schools, between 91% and 100% of graduates received orientation and mobility (O&M) training before obtaining a dog guide. Eight schools require O&M for admittance, and 10 schools solicit recommendations from O&M specialists before admitting an applicant. (CR)

Describes cortical visual impairment (CVI) as a complex condition that is not an eye condition but a brain condition. Cautions practitioners that children with CVI do not exhibit similar behaviors, that a single approach does not work for all children, and that treatment is a dynamic process. (CR)

Discusses the need for agencies which provide services to people with visual impairments to collect statistics about race and ethnicity to estimate prevalence of visual impairments, create accountability, and design appropriate programs. Current statistics on the racial and ethnic diversity of individuals with visual impairments are provided. (CR)

Stickler syndrome is an autosomal dominant multisystem disease. The four most affected systems are craniofacial, skeletal, ocular, and auditory. The manifestations of Stickler syndrome vary considerably among affected individuals. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists should be familiar with the characteristics associated with Stickler…

A study used the ABILITIES Index to assess the relationship of inappropriate behaviors to social skills and behavior, vision, intellectual function, and intentional communication in 202 children (ages 6-59 months) with visual impairments. Results indicate inappropriate and unusual behavior continued to increase between birth and age 5. (CR)

Two studies examined the effectiveness of external-speaker announcements in identifying incoming buses to 21 adults with visual impairments, including the placement of external speakers, the ability to understand simultaneous bus announcements, and the speech enhancement of announcements. Announcements could be heard above ambient traffic sounds…

In an unfamiliar residential neighborhood, 24 10- and 6-year olds were individually evaluated and compared on their conceptual knowledge of the neighborhood. Findings indicate there are statistical and practical differences between the two age groups. Implications for teaching orientation and mobility to children with low vision are discussed.…

A study interviewed 25 individuals with visual impairments who received Career Incentive Awards between 1986 and 1995. Results found the participants were a diverse group in terms of personal and educational backgrounds, career goals, and age, yet all demonstrated a common drive to succeed and were highly educated. (Contains references.) (CR)