This article criticizes previously suggested (EC 222 753) objective "timing methods" to help the visually impaired pedestrian determine a safe time to cross an uncontrolled intersection. The assumption that timing the approach of several cars can result in a correct judgment is particularly questioned. (DB)

This article presents information on the complications of both Type I and Type II diabetes and the implications for the rehabilitation of persons with diabetes and visual impairment. Topics covered include retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetic hand syndrome, neuropathy of the autonomic nervous…

This article describes the major components of rehabilitation services in Japan for people who are visually impaired from diabetes. These components include diabetes education and medical care, social welfare and rehabilitation services, nutrition and exercise, medication, monitoring of blood glucose, glycemic control, and the prevention of…

Three classes of change involved in improving the daily living skills of persons with visual impairments include changes in the work or product (the highest level of change), changes in the workplace, and changes in the worker's activity. Case studies of three adults illustrate the three levels of change. (Author/DB)

This article presents a model for efficient assessment of young children with visual impairments or multiple handicaps. The approach has team members simultaneously observe various aspects of a child's functioning to gain an understanding of the child as a whole. (Author/DB)

This study evaluated vision and hearing impairment in 45,500 adults (age 35 and older) with an intellectual disability. Visual impairment or blindness were found in 25 percent of the total sample, impaired hearing or deafness in 22 percent. Breakdown by age group indicates increasing frequency of impairment with advancing age. Implications for…

This study compares scores on the Alternate Uses Test of 19 Australian children (ages 4 to 12) with severe visual impairments, and 19 controls. Comparison of mean scores revealed no significant differences between groups, however, the range of scores reflected in the standard deviations were higher for those with visual impairments. (CR)

Four athletes who are blind tested the effectiveness of an end-of-the-lane signaling device for swimmers with visual impairments. Swimmers preferred the Aqualert II over the tap stick because it gave them a better idea of the location of the wall, more advanced warning, and allowed them to be more independent. (CR)

Presents photos featuring students from the Perkins School for the Blind (Massachusetts) reprinted from "School," a book by photographer Nicholas Nixon and psychiatrist Robert Coles. Coles says Nixon's focused, confined scenes paradoxically open viewers' minds to previously unimagined or unrecognized possibilities. Photos are accompanied…

Screen readers allow visually impaired students to read periodicals online, do research projects, and communicate easily with others via e-mail. However, the growing stress on graphics poses real challenges. Also, screen readers and Braille printers are expensive. Suggestions from two deaf and blind schools are provided. (MLH)

This article discusses Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS), a disability in which the individual has visual hallucinations that are complex, persistent, or repetitive, retains full or partial insight into the unreality of the hallucinations, does not have hallucinations in other modalities, and does not have delusional ideation. (Contains 12…

A study found the gestural activity of 15 adolescents with visual impairments differed from that of 15 adolescents with sight. Subjects with visual impairments used more adapters (especially finger-to-hand gestures) and fewer conversational gestures. Differences in gestural activity by degree of visual impairment and grade in school were also…

A study used the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY) to assess social skills in 200 Indian children with visual impairments. The factor structure for the resulting 50-item Hindi MESSY was highly comparable to four of the five original factors of the English version of the MESSY. (Contains references.) (CR)

A study explored how 432 visual impairment professionals learned of the field and why they entered it. Newer teachers were more likely to identify professional contact as the way they first learned about the field. The desire to help others was the major factor motivating entrance to the field. (Contains nine references.) (CR)

Reviews the literature on the use of music therapy with visually impaired and socially isolated children. Describes ways that music therapy can help the child explore his environment, modify blindisms (stereotypic, autistic-like behaviors), and encourage social awareness and interaction with other children. (DB)