A panel of 20 experts in orientation and mobility (O&M) reached consensus on concepts and skills that O&M specialists should teach to students who are blind or have low vision. Panelists also agreed on visual, environmental, and behavioral conditions that would require a formal O&M assessment.

This is the first of a two-part report of a study on the instruction of children who were learning or using braille and print simultaneously (dual media). It explores the demographic characteristics of teachers and students, aspects of the decision-making process for providing instruction in dual media, and attitudes of students and parents toward…

This is the second part of a two-part report of a study about the instruction of children who are learning or using both braille and print simultaneously (dual media). It explores the instructional methods and curricular decisions of teaching dual media to students with low vision and reports the students' current literacy levels and reading rates…

Providing Access to the Visual Environment (Project PAVE) is a statewide multidisciplinary project that provides low vision services to children ages 3-21 in Tennessee. This article describes the project's administrative, direct service, and research components and the philosophy on which it is based. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Fourteen teachers of students with visual impairments who were visually impaired themselves were either interviewed in a focus group or observed in their itinerant or resource room settings. Issues of transportation, access to information, assessment, and instructional responsibilities were addressed. Participants reported that while barriers to…

This article is the second in a three-part series that provides data from interviews of 162 adult subjects aged 60 and older who stopped driving due to a visual impairment. Part Two describes the availability and use of different forms of transportation, ways subjects access transportation to carry out daily activities, subjects' experiences with…

A survey of the use of technology and multimedia presentations by 410 teachers of students with visual impairments found they were more at ease with general technology than with technology designed for students with visual impairments. When adapting traditional materials, teachers tended to use simpler, less technological solutions. (Contains 6…

A survey found a wide range of capabilities regarding the production of textbooks and instructional materials for students with visual impairments in 42 states. Shortages of qualified Braille transcribers and inadequate funding were cited as barriers to developing better services. The most effective model was a centralized production center.…

A survey of Braille transcribers in 40 states found Braille production systems rely on volunteers and hence Braille transcription is not considered a bona fide career. The majority cited low funding and resources as obstacles to change. Issues of certification, training, availability, and definition are discussed, along with recommendations.…

A study investigated doctoral personnel preparation programs in visual impairments at 15 universities. Results indicate only nine of the programs had one or more doctoral students and that over the past five years, only four graduates obtained continuing full-time faculty positions, two in education and two in orientation and mobility. (Contains 7…

A study investigated whether 18 teachers of students with visual impairments were incorporating the expanded core curriculum into the direct services provided to students. Teachers spent the majority of their instructional time on academics, teaching communication skills, and tutoring, with the bulk of instructional time dedicated to academic…

A study involving 40 experts in teaching literacy skills to students with low vision identified the levels of direct and consultative instructional services needed for teaching literacy skills to such students. Findings support the need to provide consistent, direct instruction in almost all areas of literacy and literacy-related skills. (Contains…

Initial reading speeds across grades show points at which children with low vision are at risk of developing low literacy skills. Outcome group measures showed that 185 children (grades preK-12) who received optical devices increased their silent reading speeds and comprehension rates. Findings indicate optical devices assist in deciphering text.…

A study explored the internal consistency of items in a visual screening instrument developed by Project PAVE: Expectations for Visual Functioning (EVF). The test includes 20 items that evaluate a child's functional use of vision. A pilot test involving 129 teachers indicates the EFV is internally consistent. (Contains three references.) (CR)

Grants received by 32 programs for training personnel and conducting research in visual impairments from federal, state, and other sources were surveyed. Resulting recommendations address training grants, the 75 percent rule, and research funding. Issues considered include personnel needs, discrepancies in Department of Education annual counts of…