This article describes the first phase of a project to develop an empirically based scale to help multidisciplinary teams decide whether individual children need to start or continue braille instruction. Teachers and other practitioners (n=225) rated child characteristics on the extent to which they reflected the need for braille instruction, and…

This point/counterpoint feature evaluates braille literacy instruction in three commentaries by A. J. Koenig, J. E. Olmstead, and E. J. Rex. The commentaries indicate that itinerant instruction of braille skills can be effective with adequate student motivation and requisite skills, school staff and family support, vigilant focus on student needs,…

This article reports on a small-group job-seeking skills program implemented at a rehabilitation center for adults with visual impairments. The methods used to help participants increase their employability are described, and characteristics of the program and participants which contributed to its success are discussed. (Author/PB)

Thirty-one machinists (blind, sighted, and visually impaired) answered questions about trust, resource sharing, and empowerment in work relationships. Employees with low vision were the least trusting and trusted, received the fewest shared resources, and reported proportionately more disempowering relationships. More educated employees saw more…

A survey of 18 directors of services for students with disabilities within the California State University system sought to determine what accommodations are being provided to students with visual impairments. Results indicate that colleges and universities should reevaluate their policies and procedures to ensure that recent interpretations of…

Tests of a neuropsychological model for spatial orientation in the absence of vision were developed and administered to 31 children with congenital blindness. Results support the neuropsychological model and indicate that some congenitally blind subjects had focal brain damage, sufficient to impair their capacity to be accurately oriented in…

This article reviews developmental and neuropsychological evidence of differences between modes of processing small-scale and large-scale spatial information, and discusses implications for teaching students with visual impairments. Understanding of developmental processes is felt to be the key to diagnosing and treating orientation and mobility…

This article presents results of a noncontrolled clinical study of 20 persons with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy who were treated from 1976 to 1990 at the Low Vision Centre of the Finnish Federation of the Visually Handicapped. The importance of early functional visual rehabilitation is emphasized, as is the use of low vision aids to help…

This study investigated the relationship between perceived family environment and psychological distress among 76 adults with visual impairments of fewer than 4 years duration, who had undergone at least 4 months of rehabilitation classes. Family environmental traits strongly influenced adjustment to vision loss. Distress was positively correlated…

Users (n=148) of an audio book library were surveyed to collect data for formulating a policy on development of the library's collection. The survey found a broad range of reading interests among users and differences in preferred genres of fiction between men and women. Policy changes made based on survey results are discussed. (Author/PB)

This article reports the results of digit-span tests administered to 314 children who were visually impaired. Results found that gender, first language, and educational setting had no effect on the children's scores and that the congenitally totally blind children scored higher than did sighted children, whereas those who had had some sight did…

This paper describes a summer program teaching independent living skills to 20 adults with visual impairments. Results suggest the program had a lasting and profound impact on clients' previously low knowledge of job hunting, decision making, stress management, and self-care skills. Interaction with other adults with visual impairments and…

A travel cane was adapted for use by a 10-year-old boy with cortical blindness, severe mental retardation and cerebral palsy affecting his left arm and leg. The Specific Adaptation Mobility Cane utilizes the affected arm to hold the cane while leaving the other hand free for trailing walls, opening doors, carrying objects, and holding handrails.…

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 review of the literature examines characteristics of the play of young children with visual impairments and suggests areas for intervention. The review notes that the deficits in symbolic play commonly exhibited by these children are related to language deficits and that intervention should focus on enhancing the child's sense of self.…