Two studies involving stereotypic hand gazing revealed that: (1) a dramatically increased therapy program substantially reduced a 35.4 month-old boy's hand gazing and augmented his toy manipulation skills; and (2) both glasses and toys effectively reduced hand gazing by two visually impaired 30.3 and 17.9 month-old children. (Author/CB)

Dyskinesia, abnormal involuntary movements associated with long-term neuroleptic drug use, was evaluated with 344 institutionalized profoundly mentally retarded adults using the Dyskinesia Identification System Condensed User Scale. Results indicated performance deficits on activation tasks associated with intelligence quotients, neuroleptic…

This paper analyzes data from the Supplement on Aging (1984 Health Interview Survey) and cites improvements in survey design which account for dramatic increases in the number of elderly with severe visual impairments. Statistical tables on percentage distribution of visual problems by age and prevalence of severe impairments are included. (JDD)

A program to prepare elementary grade students for mainstreaming of handicapped students is described. An outline of objectives, student activities, and required media and materials to improve understand of hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical handicap, and learning disability are provided. (DB)

Teachers of the visually impaired have a counseling role in helping students develop healthy self concepts. Teachers need to understand each of the phases of the adjustment process in response to either social stigma or vision loss. Among characteristics of the teacher-counselor are good interpersonal skills and realistic expectations. (Author/DB)

Wisconsin educational services for visually-impaired students include the Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped, the Educational Services Center for the Visually Impaired, and the Instructional Resource Center. (CB)

The article describes the collaborative process as defined in the special education literature and specific collaborative functions of the teacher of visually handicapped students (such as providing information, obtaining materials, acting as advocate). Finally it provides recommendations for effective consultation in the field. (Author/DB)

A visually-impaired 17-year-old was videotaped in a work setting before and after vocational training. The videotape was shown to 35 graduate students and student teachers, whose ratings of the student's vocational competence validated behavior changes (e.g., job task accuracy) resulting from the training as being clinically important. (Author/JDD)

Evaluation of locus of control for academic achievement and correlated competencies in adaptive behavior with 17 blind or partially sighted children (ages 6-19 years) indicated that responsibility for positive intellectual achievement events correlated significantly with increased adaptive behavior scores. (Author/DB)

This article identifies the visually handicapped population, discusses their special educational needs, and considers the educational program in terms of their assessment, placement, individualized education programs, and needs for educational aids. (CB)

Visually handicapped Indian clients ages 22-30 (N=68) completed a questionnaire designed to assess their risk-taking tendencies. Comparisons between individual responses and the consensus decisions of groups (male only) were made. Among reported results was that groups shifted toward a preference for less risk than individuals. (JW)

A survey of 44 residential schools for the visually impaired identified the most widely used reading approach (basal reader), most prevalent standardizd acheivement test (Stanford Achievement Test), and the formal procedure used most frequently to determine grade level of printed materials (Fry Formula). (Author/CL)

Discusses the shortcomings of the Snellen eye chart as a vision screeing test and proposes the use of a newer test--the Modified Telebinocular Technique. (MTT)

The relationship between chronological age, social age, motor, sensory and concept skills, and the orientation and mobility skills of 37 mentally retarded visually impaired children was examined. Results revealed a strong relationship between developmental level in the areas of motor, sensory, and concept skills, and mobility proficiency.…

The article analyzes issues involved in establishing and maintaining a mainframe computer system accessible for visually impaired students and describes how one university did so using available adaptive components. A listing of universities and colleges possessing such systems is presented. (Author/CL)