Sixteen visually impaired children (aged 2-6) were exposed to a specially prepared visual stimulation video, and their vision attention was rated quantitatively and qualitatively. The results suggest that this technique could be useful in stimulating functional vision in young children. (Author)

A model is proposed for the clinical synthesis of data from psychological tests of persons with visual impairments. The model integrates the concepts of the ideal type and Bayesian probability and compares actual test scores with ideal scores through use of a pattern similarity coefficient. A pilot study with Business Enterprise Program operators…

The Nottingham Adjustment Scale, a scale to measure psychological status before and after rehabilitation for acquired sight loss, is described; its factorial validity is demonstrated; and its validity in enabling changes is measured. The scale revealed changes in both cognitive and emotional factors as a consequence of receiving rehabilitation.…

A survey of 40 resource room or itinerant teachers of students with visual impairments in British Columbia (Canada) gathered information concerning teacher training/experience, caseload characteristics, nature of service to students with multiple disabilities, contact with parents and other professionals, and teaching activities. (JDD)

Twenty adolescents with visual impairments and their parents in British Columbia participated in a careers exploration program using "Partner's Program" booklets developed by L. Cochran and supplemented by occupational resources from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. The program encouraged students to explore their career…

This article discusses ethical and legal issues faced by orientation and mobility (O&M) professionals, associated with informing clients with visual impairments about risks both during O&M instruction and after training. The article evaluates arguments against the disclosure of risks, and describes a computerized method of assessing risks.…

This paper presents a summary of presentations and discussion from a World Health Organization meeting of experienced low vision practitioners. It outlines the magnitude of the problem; current status of low vision care; enhancement of the use of vision; and recommendations in definitions, identification, assessment, low vision centers, education,…

This national study of 107 blind and visually impaired adults found that they want new information services using the telephone and are willing to pay for such services. They also felt their privacy should be protected and that local telephone companies should be allowed to originate information services and products. (Author/DB)

This article reviews the theoretical and research literature on vision stimulation and vision training of children with severe irreversible visual impairments. It recommends early stimulation to prevent visual deprivation, use of operant conditioning, and the presentation of highly contrasting stimuli to stimulate visual awareness in children with…

Brief articles report on eight programs, primarily developed by residential schools for individuals with blindness and visual impairments. The articles describe the Council of Schools for the Blind, the Michigan School for the Blind, precane mobility devices, drug education for teenagers, disability awareness, rural service delivery, parent/infant…

The Royal Blind Society of New South Wales sponsors a program called Sportskills Week in which individuals with visual impairments are provided opportunities to pursue goals common to the population as a whole. Sighted athletes who assist in the program take their expertise back to local communities to develop additional programs. (JDD)

Rehabilitation services for visually impaired adults in India are described, both historically and currently. The paper examines the magnitude of the problem, vocational training and placement, services for newly blind persons and for blind/visually handicapped women, rural rehabilitation projects, information access, legislation, professional…

This article introduces a group of six papers on sustainability of programs for visually handicapped persons in developing countries. Sustainability is discussed from an anthropological perspective, noting the importance of a social soundness analysis and a social impact assessment, enemies of sustainability, and the need for broad local input in…

The paper describes issues involved in a project to assist providers of services for the visually impaired to plan and initiate programs directed toward Nepal's low vision population. Discussed are demographic factors; organization of prevention, education, and rehabilitation programs; development of a systematic and coordinated national plan; and…

This article describes organizations providing services for blind and visually impaired people, with special emphasis on programs for developing countries. Included are United Nations agencies, nongovernmental organizations concerned with blindness, governmental development agencies, professional associations, and international organizations…