The paper examines the impact of a visual disorder on the emerging self. Sources of self-esteem are considered in the developmental process. The implications of a competence model in regard to the experiences of visually impaired persons are noted. Problems to be resolved include developing coping skills and adaptive behaviors, maintaining self-esteem in the face of predominantly negative reactions from others, maintaining control and making decisions. A discussion of the adjusting process is followed by suggestions of appropriate counseling theories and techniques for teacher-counsellors. Typical stages in a person's reaction to visual impairment are reviewed, and ideas for dealing with each are offered. (CL)