Introduction: This article, based on a study of 196 teachers of students with visual impairments, reports on the experiences with and opinions related to their decisions about instructing their students who are blind or have low vision in the abacus. Methods: The participants completed an online survey on how they decide which students should be…

Introduction: This article reports on a study of 196 teachers who shared their experiences and opinions related to how they were taught to use the Cranmer abacus. Methods: In February and March 2012, the participants completed an online survey to gather information about their preparation in using and beliefs about computation with the Cranmer…

Introduction: This article presents a study that gathered data from 66 teachers of students with visual impairments about their preparation to work with children who are visually impaired and are learning English, and their knowledge of instructional strategies and methods of instruction. Methods: An online five-part survey was available to…

Introduction: The purpose of the study presented here was the initial validation of a comprehensive set of competencies focused solely on the Nemeth code. Methods: Using the Delphi method, 20 expert panelists were recruited to participate in the study on the basis of their past experience in teaching a university-level course in the Nemeth code.…

Introduction: This research attempted to establish the content validity of several performance statements that are associated with basic knowledge, production, and reading of braille by beginning teachers. Methods: University instructors (n = 21) and new teachers of students with visual impairments (n = 20) who had taught at least 2 braille…

Introduction: This study gathered data on methods and materials that are used to teach the Nemeth braille code, computer braille, foreign-language braille, and music braille in 26 university programs in the United States and Canada that prepare teachers of students with visual impairments. Information about instruction in the abacus and the…

Data were gathered from 166 participants regarding their qualifications for and training in preparing mathematics materials for tactile learners. The participants shared information about the courses and workshops they had attended, the books and resources they used, the amount of time they spent preparing mathematics materials, and information…

Fourteen students with visual impairments in Grades 5-12 participated in the field-testing of AnimalWatch-VI-Beta. This computer program delivered 12 prealgebra math problems and hints through a self-voicing audio feature. The students provided feedback about how the computer program can be improved and expanded to make it accessible to all users.…

University instructors were surveyed to determine the requirements for their literary braille courses. Twenty-one instructors provided information on the textbooks they used; how they determined errors; reading proficiency requirements; and other pertinent information, such as methods of assessing mastery of the production of braille using a…

This survey examined the experiences of parents of individuals with visual impairments who acquired professional credentials in the field of visual impairment. The participants reported on such topics as the advantages and disadvantages of being a parent-professional, the types of support they seek, and advice to others who are balancing both…

Two studies examined how adolescents with low vision perceive their ability to drive. The results of both studies indicated similarities in the participants' responses with respect to knowledge of visual impairment, information about options for driving with low vision, frustrations and obstacles imposed by not being able to drive, and independent…

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…

This article describes the components of distance education courses and provides examples of activities that one professor used in a program to prepare teachers of children with visual impairments using a combination of live and Internet delivery. The advantages and disadvantages of this combined model are discussed. (Contains references.)…

A study of 10 adolescents with visual impairments and their best friends found each adolescent had a unique perspective on the impact of visual impairment on family, school, and peer relationships but that all valued their friendships. A key to a successful friendship was participating in a joint activity. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This study examined the preparation in and use of the Nemeth braille code by 135 teachers of students with visual impairments. Almost all the teachers had taken at least one course in the Nemeth code as part of their university preparation. In their current jobs, they prepared a variety of materials, primarily basic operations, word problems,…