bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Word Meaning among Congenitally Blind Children
Authors: Anderson David W. , Olson Myrna R.
Published: March 2020

Ten totally and congenitally blind children ages 3 through 9, and 10 sighted children of matching age, sex and socioeconomic status were interviewed following a prescribed format. Responses were obtained to lexical semantic tasks focusing on verbal descriptions of common objects, and the two groups’ responses were compared regarding the type, quantity, and quality of attributes they assigned to the objects. The implications of these data pertain to the effects of the absence of vision on children's understanding of common words and on communication between blind and sighted individuals.
Training Blind Persons as Taxpayers’ Assistants
Authors: Day Richard R.
Published: March 2020

Reports on a pilot project of Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind to train qualified persons to work as Taxpayer Service Representatives for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). All the 230 persons trained since 1967 have been employed in various IRS offices across the country, and many have received commendations and promotions.
Electric Cars: A Potential Barrier?
Authors: Signorat Monique
Published: March 2020

A special forum for individuals to respond in detail to material published in the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness or elsewhere, to present new ideas, or to raise issues which relate to the specialized field of work with blind and visually handicapped persons. Contributions should be 350-1000 words in length.
Psychology of Adjustment to Visual Deficiency: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Lambert Robert M. , West Malcolm , Carlin Kathleen
Published: March 2020

This article describes a model, developed by the authors, for conceptualizing the psychology of adjustment to visual loss. The aim of the model is to establish definitions and guidelines within which techniques for working with the blind may be used. Four conditions necessary for adjustment to blindness are delineated, as are two categories of maladjustment and their subtypes. The role of the psychologist in facilitating adjustment is then discussed.
Developing Play Skills and Communicative Competence in Multiply Handicapped Young People
Authors: Rogow Sally M.
Published: March 2020

Role play with toys was modeled to develop communicative language function in 14 multiply handicapped individuals ranging in age from 8 to 26 whose speech was characterized by echolalic and stereotypic responses. Even subjects who spoke in complete sentences asked few questions and did not use narrative speech to any significant degree.

As they learned to role play, however, their communicative functioning improved and they shared referents (play themes and toy props) and cooperative social routines (role play). Play themes that were of personal interest elicited the greatest participation. Nonverbal subjects did not develop symbolic play, but they did establish communicative responses as they began to anticipate and express their preferences. No changes were noted in the verbal subjects’ syntax or vocabulary. Verbal expression increased and narrative and question forms appeared. Language behavior became more communicative and meaningful as social interaction increased.
The Nottingham Obstacle Detector: A Technical Description
Authors: Heyes A. D.
Published: March 2020

This article gives technical information about the Nottingham Obstacle Detector and traces its development from the original design specifications to its final form. In producing this device, major technical decisions had to be made in relation to the methods of information-gathering, achieving a narrow beam, and display generation.
The Development of Self-Concept in Blind Children
Authors: Cook-clampert Denise
Published: March 2020

The significance of developing a self-concept is illustrated through a review of the data-based and descriptive research conducted with both sighted and blind individuals. Practical implications for encouraging the growth of positive self-concepts in blind children are also discussed.
The Exercise Capacity of Blind Children
Authors: Jankowski L.W. , Evans J.K.
Published: March 2020

The aim of the study was to determine whether blind children in a well-equipped modern institution are receiving enough physical education activities to maintain good physical condition. Toward this end, the physiological characteristics of 20 institutionalized blind children were measured according to body composition, pulmonary function, and tolerance for exercise. The volunteer sample was characterized by “creeping overweight,” weak upper limbs, and a low aerobic capacity. No clinical or physiological contraindications to vigorous physical exercise were observed.
Blind Children's Perceptions of Normal, Withdrawn, and Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Czerwinski Michael H. , Tait Pearl E.
Published: March 2020

Because blind children cannot rely on many cues that sighted children use when making judgments about their own and other people's behavior, the authors conducted an exploratory study on blind children's ability to differentiate between normal and two disordered behaviors and their attitudes toward the behaviors. Twelve congenitally, totally blind children in three age groups (5-8, 9-12, 13-17) were selected from public schools in New Jersey. After the children heard three stories describing normal, withdrawn, and antisocial behavior, they were asked two sets of questions related to factors such as causality, changeability, similarity, desirability, assertiveness, and well-being. The authors found that age did not seem to be an important factor either in the children's ability to differentiate between the behaviors or in the causes the children attributed to them.
Writing Audio Scripts for Use with Blind Persons
Authors: Ricker Kenneth S.
Published: March 2020

Eleven visually impaired college students helped develop and assess audio scripts that would enable them to use tactile diagrams independently as an alternative to the microscope in an introductory biology course. The factors that served as guidelines for writing these scripts will be helpful when writing scripts that accompany tactile diagrams used in other fields.
Instructional Objectives for Orientation and Mobility
Authors: Mclinden Daniel J.
Published: March 2020

This article describes a method of teaching orientation to the visually impaired student who has a knowledge of the basic concepts related to body awareness but has not learned to travel independently. (A review of the literature shows that past research has focused on teaching concept development to young children and use of maps to experienced travelers.) Orientation skills are presented in the form of instructional objectives. The theoretical bases for the objectives are discussed, as is their use with five students ranging in age from 11 to 15.
Consultation in the Residential Treatment of Visually Impaired Children
Authors: Luiselli James K.
Published: March 2020

The purpose of behavioral consultation is to train direct caregivers to assess, implement, and evaluate treatment programs to reduce maladaptive behavior. This article describes a behavioral consultation model developed in a residential treatment program for visually impaired children. The two case studies presented illlustrate the application of behavioral modification techniques. The article concludes with suggestions for overcoming the resistance of staff members to using behavior modification.
Introduction
Authors: Waldheim Kurt , Mulholland Mary Ellen
Published: March 2020

“By proclaiming 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons, the General Assembly of the United Nations aimed at focusing attention on the enjoyment by disabled persons of rights and opportunities in order to ensure their full participation and integration into society. The effort to find solutions to the problem of disabled persons should be an integral part of national development strategies. There is thus a need to secure the participation of all Member States, as well as relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations in the preparation and implementation of the programme of the International Year of Disabled Persons.”
Increasing Reading Rates with the Optacon: A Pilot Study
Authors: Terzieff Ivan , Stagg Vaughan , Ashcroft S.C.
Published: March 2020

This study was designed to assess the impact on Optacon reading rates of instructional materials based on structural and functional aspects of language, cloze procedures, and auditory pacing. Marked increases in oral reading rates were observed across subjects. There was no evidence that the interventions caused a marked increase or decline in the rate of errors.
The Wisconsin Concept: A Unique Approach to Blind Rehabilitation
Authors: Transon Robert E.
Published: March 2020

This article describes the Milwaukee Area Technical College, established in 1979 by the State of Wisconsin to train visually impaired adults. In addition to the skills taught in most traditional rehabilitation programs, the college provides students with other skills needed for living successfully in the community mainstream. For example, students are encouraged to develop vocational and academic goals and acquire the skills they will need to remain in their former jobs or find a new, more suitable employment and to handle the activities of daily living.
Hey, What is this Audio Art Business Anyway?
Authors: Irwin Mike
Published: March 2020

A special forum for individuals to respond in detail to material published in the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness or to raise issues which relate to the specialized field of work with blind and visually handicapped persons. Contributions should be 350-100 words in length.
Speech Intelligibility of the Talking Signs
Authors: Brabyn John A. , Brabyn Lesley A.
Published: March 2020

This research was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Handicapped Research (Grant no. 23-P-57590/9) to Dr. Arthur Jampolsky. The authors wish to express their appreciation to William Loughborough, Talking Signs inventor, for his suggestions.
The Use of the Sonicguide in Infancy
Authors: Aitken Stuart , Bower T. G. R.
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the use of an ultrasonic sonar device—the Sonicguide™—by blind infants. Both short-term studies, lasting up to three days, and long-term studies, lasting up to two years, are reported. The importance of the selection of strict criteria for evaluating “use” of the device is emphasized. Using such criteria, age differences in ability to make effective use of the information provided by the device were found. These findings have important implications for any future intervention programs with blind infants.
Current Status of Abacus Training in Teacher Education Institutions
Authors: Steinbrenner Arthur , Becker Carol
Published: March 2020

This study describes the results of a survey of 25 teacher-training institutions about the kinds of abacus programs available to trainees and the effectiveness of these programs. On the basis of respondents’ statements, theauthors concluded the majority of programs were both incomplete and ineffective.
Group Homes for Severely Multiply Handicapped Persons with Visual Problems
Authors: Guldager Lars , Hamill Mary , Mcglamery Rebecca D.
Published: March 2020

Argues that community residences for small groups of people, and the provision of day activity programs designed to increase functional levels, is the only viable, humane alternative to institutionalization of severely multiply handicapped persons with visual problems. Living in a highly structured, home environment where individual needs are addressed by caring and qualified staff can and should be provided to those without self-preservation skills. Opportunities to participate in suitable prevocational activites are also necessary. The cost of such programs is the same as for insitutional care, and funding can be secured.
Behaviors of Sighted Individuals Perceived by Blind Persons as Hindrances to Self-Reliance in Blind Persons
Authors: Rickelman Bonnie L. , Blaylock Jerry N.
Published: March 2020

This article describes several situations in which sighted people behave inappropriately toward blind individuals: assuming they necessarily have other disabilities, dealing with sighted companions instead of directly with the blind person, failing to perform simple helpful acts, insisting on the blind person accepting unwanted assistance, and so on. The study looks at how blind people felt in these situations and how they responded, and reports suggestions on how sighted individuals could act so as to respect and encourage feelings of self-reliance in blind people.
Use of the Sonicguide™ and Laser Cane in Obtaining or Keeping Employment
Authors: Jacobson William H. , Smith Tom E. C.
Published: March 2020

When a questionnaire was sent to 28 Laser Cane and 106 Sonicguide™ owners to determine whether these devices were used in employment situations, 94 (70 percent) returned it. The questionnaire yielded information concerning job title, years of experience with the device, purposes for which the device is used, and the owner's attitude toward the device. The results of the survey indicated that 74 respondents were still using their electronic travel aids: 36 percent of them used the devices to travel to and from work, and almost half (49 percent) used them on the job. The authors conclude that it would be inappropriate at this time to consider either device as particularly useful or necessary for employment-related activities.
Albinism: A Survey of Attitudes and Behavior
Authors: Kolk Charles J. Vander , Bright Bobra C.
Published: March 2020

Explores attitudes and behavior toward albinos by means of surveys and presents various experiences of albinos along with frequently held attitudes of non-albinos. A successful intervention strategy to modify attitudes of schoolchildren is described. Suggestions to improve the life experiences of albinos are offered.
The MICE Project: An Innovative Service Delivery System for Visually Handicapped Children
Authors: Morse Mary T.
Published: March 2020

Existing federal and state service programs, based on categorical treatment needs and income eligibility, often fail to provide comprehensive, coordinated services to visually handicapped infants and children. This problem is exacerbated in rural communities, where a small, widely-scattered population requires service. A cost-effective interagency linkage is proposed for service delivery in these areas. Its development and implementation are also described.
A Group Counseling and Educational Program for Students with Usher's Syndrome
Authors: Vernon Mccay , Hicks Wanda
Published: March 2020

Describes a group counseling and educational program for teenagers with Usher's Syndrome that was developed at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington, D.C. The philosophical dilemma of whether to explain the full ramifications of the condition to young people is described. The structure of the program and the successes and failures of the actual group sessions are discussed, and guidelines are offered for those who wish to develop similar programs for students with Usher's Syndrome.
AFB's Computerized Travel Aid: Two Years of Research and Development
Authors: Uslan Mark M. , Smith W. Robert , Schreibman Kenneth , Maure Douglas R.
Published: March 2020

Describes progress in developing an effective, versatile, and inexpensive computerized travel aid (CTA) by combining Polaroid's ultrasonic ranging technology with a microprocessor.
Training Blind Adolescents in Social Skills
Authors: Van Hasselt Vincent B. , Hersey Michel , Kazdin Alan E. , Simon Janet , Mastanuono Albert
Published: March 2020

Training in social skills was given to four blind, unassertive, adolescent females. Behaviors requiring modification were identified for each subject by rating videotapes of role-played interactions. Training consisted of instructions, feedback, behavioral rehearsal, modeling, and manual guidance. Behaviors were treated sequentially and cumulatively in a multiple baseline format. The treatment was generally effective in that most behaviors selected for modification changed markedly. However, a follow-up after four weeks indicated a decrease in some responses. “Booster” sessions were used to facilitate return to post–treatment levels. Follow-ups after eight and 10 weeks showed that this goal had been reached.
I'm Not the Only One: Report on a Diabetic Support Group
Authors: Denney Lynette
Published: March 2020

During weekly group sessions over five months, three diabetic women with severe family problems stopped viewing themselves as inadequate beings and began seeing themselves as strong, creative, valuable people who could handle the challenges of life.
A Range of Vision: Museum Accommodations for Visually Impaired People
Authors: Kenney Alice P.
Published: March 2020

Museums offer a range of programs for visually handicapped visitors, the approach depending upon the type of museum. In a period of constricting financial resources, the emphasis is on creating the most wide-ranging and usable accommodations possible. Professionals serving visually handicapped people are called upon to act as consultants, as are the visually handicapped themselves, to use their experience in advising museums on outreach programs, tours, and other services that will draw in the hesitant consumer.
Bridges from Research to Practice in Education of Visually Handicapped People
Authors: Scholl Geraldine T.
Published: March 2020

Failure to apply research findings to educational practice is a long-standing problem. Several reasons for this are discussed. Five dissemination models that may insure that research findings are translated into practice are described from the literature. Current research findings in seven areas related to education for visually handicapped people are summarized, together with recommended dissemination procedures. The difficulties of applying research findings from one country to programs in another, particularly a developing country, are discussed briefly.
Use of Black Light in Training Retarded, Multiply Handicapped, Deaf-Blind Children
Authors: Potenski Donald H.
Published: March 2020

One group of severely or profoundly retarded, multiply handicapped, deaf-blind children were given a training program using a black light environment which allowed for the removal of all distracting stimuli and for exaggeration of the critical features from which the children learn. Another group was given training under normal light. The children trained under black light performed the task they had been taught significantly better than the children trained under normal light.
The Lighthouse Geriatric Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Levy Phyllis , Simon Ellen Perlman , Smith Ralph
Published: March 2020

The Lighthouse Geriatric Rehabilitation Program works to help the growing population of visually impaired older adults maintain their independence and encourages them to participate in community activities.
An Exploratory Study of the Lifestyles of Congenitally Blind Adults
Authors: Resnick Rose
Published: March 2020

Self-report of 74 congenitally blind persons explores self-concept and degree of integration into the sighted community. The majority of the subjects revealed a predominantly positive self-image and a high degree of independence. Although the sample does not represent a cross-section of the blind population, it does disclose thoughts, feelings, and life experiences of blind people.
Physically Handicapped Blind People: Adaptive Mobility Techniques
Authors: Coleman Cathy L. , Weinstock Robin F.
Published: March 2020

Describes adaptive techniques used to evaluate and teach mobility to the physically handicapped blind individual, with emphasis on users of wheelchairs and walkers. We stress the importance of working closely with physical therapists and/or other rehabilitation professionals involved with the client to jointly determine the most suitable orthopedic devices. The use of electronic travel aids is discussed, and a system designed by the authors to mount the Mowat Sensor to a walker is described.
Mediation for Young Blind Children: An Introduction to the Literature
Authors: Simmons Joyce Nesker , Davidson Iain F.W.K.
Published: March 2020

The concept of mediation is presented through comments on a selected bibliography. The authors emphasize points not previously highlighted in the mentioned works and clarify some of the basic issues involved in developing a sophisticated concept of mediation for use by professional workers and researchers: the uniqueness of the blind child's developmental mode, the need to go beyond comparisons with sighted children, and the various types of mediation required.
The Planning Process in Public and Private Blind Service Agencies
Authors: Carter Kent D.
Published: March 2020

A nationwide survey of 25 administrators of public and private blind service agencies gathered overview information on the administrator's organizational planning processes. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups of administrators in the areas of goal development and implementation of plans. Both groups seemed to follow planning patterns described in other research; however, there were notable differences in the areas of goal development, long-range planning, and contingency planning. Further research is suggested in the areas of using monthly program reports, unwritten procedures, and delegation of authority.
The Deaf-Blind in Israel: A National Survey
Authors: Gottesman Menachem
Published: March 2020

A national survey was conducted of all deaf-blind persons in the State of Israel. Of the 167 identified, 152 were included, divided into five different groups according to the degree and extent of the disabilities. Basic data are presented in several important areas, and the findings compared with results from other national surveys.
Peer Counselors, Network Builders for Elderly Persons
Authors: Byers-Lang Rosalind E.
Published: March 2020

With ever-increasing budget cuts reducing services available from professionally trained staff, the utilization of volunteer elderly peer counselors/helpers in the rehabilitation process can offer professionals an opportunity to maintain or enhance current levels of coverage. Peer counselors can provide a role model, assisting elderly blind clients in rebuilding a network of contacts linking them back into the community at large. Peer counseling is a component of the Senior Blind Program, Michigan Commission for the Blind. The program for the elderly serves a five-county area composed of rural and urban areas.
Bibliotherapy: A Technique for Counseling Blind People
Authors: Roberts Alvin
Published: March 2020

Recounts the author's increasing use of bibliotherapy in the rehabilitation of his blind students, as well as the circumstances of the origination of an annotated bibliography of materials in this field. Guidelines are suggested for selection of material for the individual student.
The Sonic Pathfinder: An Evaluation
Authors: Dodds Allan G. , Clark-Carter David D. , Howarth C. Ian
Published: March 2020

This article describes an objective evaluation of a new ultrasonic mobility aid using two complementary procedures: one based on existing behavioral measures; the other, on the analysis of a user's comments. The results showed that use of the aid changes mobility in many ways: e.g., users make fewer physical contacts with the environment and stay in a more central position on the sidewalk. Although their perception of environmental sounds was reduced, this was not reflected in performance. Some users traveled quickly and smoothly with the aid, but the majority traveled more slowly and exhibited less than optimal strategies. Further modifications of the device and improved training procedures are discussed.
Use of Telescopic Aids for Vocational Purposes
Authors: Lloyd Judy H.
Published: March 2020

The importance of preparing visually impaired people for employment is well known. Equally important is the need for the feeling of comfort on the job. Low vision telescopic aids facilitate a variety of adaptations that can comfortably increase the productivity of the individual with low vision. They may also require specialized training.
To Tell or Not to Tell: Disability Disclosure and the Job Interview
Authors: Huvelle Nora F. , Budoff Milton , Arnholz Deidre
Published: March 2020

The focus is on the issue of disability disclosure by a job applicant with a visible disability. Twenty-one men and women having visual, auditory, or orthopedic disabilities and holding professional or managerial positions offer their perspectives, based on personal experience. The issue is perceived as complex and important, having profound implications both personally and professionally. Disclosing the disability before the job interview was the preferred strategy for most. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Where the Money is for Visually Impaired College Students: Financial Aid Information for Higher Education
Authors: Tannenbaum Robin L.
Published: March 2020

Summarizes financial aid programs available from national blindness agencies, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, and the federal government. Application procedures and contact addresses are listed.
Mediating the Environment for Young Blind Children: A Conceptualization
Authors: Davidson Iain F. W. K. , Simmons Joyce Nesker
Published: March 2020

The notion of mediating the environment is examined and related to the unique developmental mode of young blind children. Emphasis is placed on the use of systematic conceptualization of development and mediation in relation to each other. Stages of mediation are identified, and three types of mediation are presented and illustrated.
The Role of a High-Resolution Spatial Sensor in an Educational Setting
Authors: Kay Leslie , Kay Nora , Hornby Garry
Published: March 2020

A pilot study suggested that a new high-resolution acoustic sensory aid may be useful as a training aid for developing spatial perception in blind children. Tasks in spatial location, spatial orientation, and spatial transfer were executed by blind school children using the spatial sensor in a classroom program. Five children completed all eight spatial orientation tasks in a mean time of 86 minutes. The final task involved correctly counting up to eight rods, all at a distance of one meter spaced angularly eight degrees. A more extensive program is being planned.
Large-Print Computers: An Evaluation of Their Features
Authors: Morrissette Diane L.
Published: March 2020

Three large-print computers are evaluated in this article: the Apollo Computer Terminal System, the Viewscan Text System, and Visualtek Large Print Display Processor. The Apollo Professional Typing System, although not a computer, also is reviewed since it is an option with the Apollo Terminal System. The advantages and disadvantages of each system are explored.
Establishing Computer-Access Centers: Challenge for the ‘80s
Authors: Moyer Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2020

While great advances have been made in custom hardware and software which make computers accessible to individuals with severe visual impairments, service delivery systems have not kept pace with the technology. A range of new services needs to be established through computer-access centers if visually impaired individuals are to realize the full benefits of the new technologies.
Perceptions of Tactile and Visual Iconicity by Blind and Sighted Groups
Authors: Griffith Penny L. , Robinson Jacques H.
Published: March 2020

Signs selected from lists used in studies with mentally retarded and autistic children and previously rated for visual iconicity were presented tactilely to 13 blind persons. Visual and tactile ratings were found to be very similar across blind and sighted groups. Statements of relationship between signs and their meanings were also found to be very similar for blind and sighted groups, suggesting that signs easily learned through the visual channel will be the most easily learned through the tactile channel. Teaching strategies were suggested by blind participants for use with deaf-blind children. Sign rankings for iconicity and relationships between signs and their meanings are provided.
Retention of Movement Cues by Visually Impaired Persons
Authors: Toole Tonya , Mccolskey Dale , Rider Robert A.
Published: March 2020

Describes the results of an experiment which examined whether kinesthetic movement information in a short memory paradigm of visually impaired persons was superior to that of sighted individuals. It was expected that visually impaired subjects would have developed a more sophisticated and refined kinesthetic modality and thus would produce less absolute and variable error than that of the sighted subjects on a movement retention task. It was found that the visually impaired and sighted subjects were equally effective in using the kinesthetic system to retain distance and location cues but the visually impaired subjects were significantly more variable in movement reproduction than were sighted subjects.
An Overview of Preschool Vision Screening
Authors: Trief E. , Morse A. R.
Published: March 2020

Although several vision screening techniques are available for infants, including Optokinetic Nystagmus, Preferential Looking and Visual Evoked Potential, none is routinely utilized. Visual deficits are often first detected through required preschool vision screenings. These screenings vary in their comprehensiveness and administration. No standardization for testing or administration exists. Referrals for further examination appear to be higher for those children receiving a thorough battery, suggesting that some of the testing procedures used have inappropriately high rates of false negatives.
Seeking Dignity and Independence: Toward an Ethnography of Blindness in Israel
Authors: Deshen S. , Deshen H.
Published: March 2020

Today, blind people in Israel are in transition from their traditional segregation and dependent roles to an indeterminate type of integration and activism. Case material from an anthropological field study of 57 blind adults in the Tel-Aviv area is used to illustrate the contradictions that blind people face in this transitional period, especially in relation to the acceptance of benefits that are offered because of their sightlessness.
The Use of Social Skills Training to Improve Interview Skills of Visually Impaired Young Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Howze Y.S.
Published: March 2020

Social skills training was investigated as a treatment strategy for improving the verbal job interview behaviors of four visually handicapped young adult males. Training took place on the campus of a state residential school for the blind in a classroom designed to resemble an office. A combination of instructions, modeling, behavior rehearsal, and constructive feedback was used in training students to give positive personal and job-related information, and to ask relevant questions. To examine the effectiveness of training, students were pre- and post-interviewed by employers in local businesses who had extensive experience in interviewing youth. Interview sessions were tape recorded. Observers scored the frequency of occurence of the three target behaviors, and increased rates of positive interview behaviors were obtained for all four students during training. Students transferred acquired behaviors in a follow-up interview with an actual employer. The results suggest that a social skills training package may be effective in increasing certain verbal behaviors of severely visually handicapped young adults during the job interview. Further, findings support the theory that programs serving low-incidence populations may need to include role-playing and modeling in their job-training programs.
Hispanic Americans: A Brief Profile
Authors: Stock L.
Published: March 2020

The latest population statistics show the Hispanic population in the US to be fast-growing, young and very diverse in nature. While the Hispanic group lags behind the general population in average education and employment rates, many gains have been made in the past decade. The growing numbers and attainments of Hispanics will mean an increased demand for better education, employment and training programs, housing and family services.
Eye Care in a Nursing Home
Authors: Marx M.S. , Wolf D. , Pheng L. , Walker V. , Elises A. , Feldman R.C. , Werner P. , Cohen-Mansfield J. , Dubroff S. , Lipson S.
Published: March 2020

This article describes an example of an in-house eye care clinic for elderly nursing home residents. The success of this clinic is due not to any one person, but to the combined efforts of a team: a clinic supervisor, a nursing assistant, a medical assistant, an ophthalmic technician, and an ophthalmologist. The implications of providing good and effective eye care to nursing home residents are discussed.
Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation System for Visually Impaired and Blind Persons
Authors: Dial J.G. , Chan F. , Mezger C. , Parker H.J. , Zangla K. , Wong D.W. , Gray S.
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to validate the appropriateness of the Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation System (CVES) for evaluating the work potential and independent living levels of visually impaired and blind individuals. The CVES was administered to 237 clients of the Texas Commission for the Blind (TCB), and the results were used to predict the vocational placement and independent living levels of these clients as determined by the TCB staff. The results indicated that the CVES is significantly related to work and independent living outcomes for visually impaired and blind people.
Macular Degeneration: An Overview
Authors: Chalifoux L.M.
Published: March 2020

This article presents an overview of information on macular degeneration for professionals who help persons with the disease adjust to their visual loss. It covers the types of macular degeneration, the etiology of the disease, and current treatment. In addition, it presents a composite case study, drawn from recent research, on the psychosocial problems and other difficulties that persons with age-related macular degeneration face.
Guidelines for Integrating Young Children with Visual Impairments in General Educational Settings
Authors: Erwin E.J.
Published: March 2020

To achieve success in educating visually impaired children in general educational settings, best-practice initiatives should be established before implementation occurs. This article examines the literature on early childhood special education and education of children with visual impairments to suggest practical guidelines for integrating youngsters who are blind or visually impaired with their age-appropriate peers.
The Visual Hand Display: A Focus on Collaboration
Authors: Kronheim J.K. , Katsumi O. , Hirose T.
Published: March 2020

When young children experience subnormal vision, an array of evaluation tools and techniques is used to assess visual function. Some children who have retinopathy of prematurity may require surgery. Post-operatively, at the Children's Low Vision Center in Boston, the pediatric ophthalmologist evaluates the child's visual functioning using a variety of devices. A tool called the Visual Hand Display has been introduced to enhance the physician's methods of evaluation, thereby achieving greater understanding of the child's visual responses. Collaborations among the doctors, educators, therapists, and patients are emphasized.
Provision of High-Quality Orientation and Mobility Services to Older Persons with Visual Impairments
Authors: Hill M.-M. , Hill E.W.
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the problems associated with providing appropriate high-quality orientation and mobility (O&M) services to older persons with visual impairments, including problems in attitudes, characteristics, financial considerations, in-service training, and the availability of age-appropriate assessment instruments. It also reviews research on interventions related to O&M and considerations in developing O&M strategies for older persons.
Coping, Adjustment, and Mobility-related Feelings of Newly Visually Impaired Young Adults
Authors: Beggs W.D.A.
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the psychological processes that may underpin successful travel and adjustment. It explores the unpleasant feelings that are connected with visually impaired travel, using a wide sample of newly visually impaired people, and describes five important components, or clusters, of feelings.
Influence of Spatial Exploration Patterns on Cognitive Mapping by Blindfolded Sighted Persons
Authors: Tellevik J.M.
Published: March 2020

Blindfolded sighted subjects were asked to find four target objects located in the open space of a room. With no experience in the layout, they applied patterns that promoted knowledge of the layout, but once they were familiar with the layout, they used a pattern that used directional and angular information to locate the objects. The subjects did better on relative-distance estimation without experience with the spatial layout, but did better on relocation with experience. Thus, different kinds of experience may result in different kinds of knowledge that are optimal for different spatial judgment tasks.
Visually Impaired Persons’ Comprehension of Text Presented with Speech Synthesis
Authors: Hjelmquist E. , Dahlstrand; U. , Hedelin L.
Published: March 2020

Three groups of visually impaired persons (two middle aged and one old) were investigated with respect to memory and understanding of texts presented with speech synthesis and natural speech, respectively. The results showed that speech synthesis generally yielded lower results than did natural speech. Experience had no effect on performance, and there were only marginal effects related to age. However, there were big differences among the groups with respect to the presentation speed chosen in the speech-synthesis condition.
Visual Impairment and Rehabilitation Needs of Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Horowitz A. , Balistreri E. , Stuen C. , Fangmeier R.
Published: March 2020

This article reports on the prevalence and rehabilitation needs of visually impaired residents of nursing homes, based on optometric examinations of 136 residents of a nursing home in Staten Island, NY. The results indicate that about half the residents were at least moderately visually impaired and almost one-third were potential candidates for low vision assessments, or rehabilitation training, or orientation and mobility services.
Medications Used by Students with Visual and Multiple Impairments: Implications for Teachers
Authors: Kelley P. , Wedding J.A.
Published: March 2020

This article addresses the side effects of a number of common medications prescribed for children with visual and multiple impairments. It includes a discussion of drug interactions and educational implications and a glossary of medical terms.
Performance of Blind and Sighted Persons on Spatial Tasks
Authors: Klatzky R.L. , Golledge R.G. , Loomis J.M. , Cicinelli J.G. , Pellegrino J.W.
Published: March 2020

This article reports on a study of the performance by congenitally blind, adventitiously blind, and sighted persons on three types of tasks: manipulatory, simple locomotion, and complex locomotion. The three groups of subjects tended to perform equivalently, and the results offer little evidence of a set of spatial processes that rely on past visual experience and are applicable to a broad variety of tasks.
An Early Intervention Model for Infants who are Deaf-Blind
Authors: Chen D. , Haney M.
Published: March 2020

This article presents an early intervention model for infants who are deaf-blind that focuses on the significance of infant-caregiver interaction. It proposes intervention strategies to develop contingent responsiveness in caregivers, to promote active learning in infants, to support mutually satisfying exchanges, and to address the exceptional learning needs of these infants.
Outreach Low Vision Services to Children with Deaf-Blindness
Authors: Miller K.B. , Peck F.R.
Published: March 2020

This article presents an overview of a model project for delivering comprehensive vision care and educational support services to children who are deaf-blind. It describes the characteristics of the 170 children served by the project—including the conditions that caused their deaf-blindness, other medical conditions, and visual conditions—and the intervention strategies that were recommended.
Enhancing Social Opportunities and Relationships of Children who are Deaf-Blind
Authors: Mar H.H. , Sall N.
Published: March 2020

This article reports on a study of intervention programs to increase the social integration of three children with deaf-blindness, aged 7–10. Although the number of socially integrated activities increased for each child, the children continued to have few consistent friends and acquaintances. The implications of these results for enhancing long-term social relationships of children with deaf-blindness are discussed.
Impact of Curb Ramps on the Safety of Persons who are Blind
Authors: Bentzen B.L. , Barlow J.M.
Published: March 2020

Curb ramps, which are necessary to enable some persons with physical disabilities to negotiate street crossings, appear to put persons with visual impairments at risk. In 39 percent of 557 approaches to unfamiliar streets via curb ramps, persons who travel using a long cane were unable to detect the streets and to stop before entering them. Street detection was highly associated with the angle of the slope, the abruptness of the change from the approaching sidewalk to the curb ramp, and the location of curb ramps.
Reaching Visually Impaired Elders in Long-term Care: A Self-study Curriculum for Care Providers
Authors: Duffy M.A. , Beliveau-Tobey M. , De l'Aune W.R.
Published: March 2020

This article reports on a three-year study to develop and evaluate a comprehensive interdisciplinary self-study curriculum on vision for use in long-term care facilities. Eighty-two staff members in 34 Florida facilities participated in the field test of the curricular materials, which were designed to teach them to identify visually impaired residents in a timely manner.
Political consumerism: A meta-analysis
Authors: Copeland Lauren , Boulianne Shelley
Published: March 2020

Political consumerism refers to the deliberate purchase or avoidance of products, goods, or services for political reasons. For decades, researchers have studied the micro-level predictors of political consumerism in many countries and across a variety of contexts. However, many questions remain. Do resource-based models of political participation or theories of lifestyle politics best explain why some people are more likely to engage in political consumerism? To answer this question, we conduct a meta-analysis of 66 studies with more than 1000 tests. We find more support for theories of lifestyle politics. Political consumerism is associated with political distrust, liberal ideology, and media use, as well as education, political interest, and organizational membership. The findings help us understand the subset of people who are using their purchasing power to express political opinions. They also help us identify gaps in existing research.
The paradoxical effect of welfare knowledge: Unveiling income cleavage over attitudes to welfare in South Korea
Authors: Lim Sijeong , Tanaka Seiki
Published: March 2020

The extent of the rich–poor divide in attitudes to welfare varies across societies. Existing studies focus on the progressivity of the welfare system and macroeconomic conditions to explain cross-society variation. We shed light on another factor that we believe is key to understanding the variation: the public’s knowledge of the welfare state. We suggest that the prevalent ignorance of how welfare state institutions work dilutes the rich–poor divide over social spending, especially in emerging welfare states. We empirically illustrate our point using original survey data from South Korea, a country where previous studies repeatedly found little or no effect of economic class on welfare state attitudes. We reveal a strong income-based cleavage over social spending in a subset of the Korean population with more accurate knowledge of the welfare system. Our findings carry important implications for understanding and projecting welfare state politics in a broader set of emerging welfare states.
A new genetic locus for antipsychotic-induced weight gain: A genome-wide study of first-episode psychosis patients using amisulpride (from the OPTiMiSE cohort)
Authors: ter Hark Sophie E , Jamain Stéphane , Schijven Dick , Lin Bochao D , Bakker Mark K , Boland-Auge Anne , Deleuze Jean-François , Troudet Réjane , Malhotra Anil K , Gülöksüz Sinan , Vinkers Christiaan H , Ebdrup Bjørn H , Kahn René S , Leboyer Marion , Luykx Jurjen J
Published: March 2020

Background:

Antipsychotic-induced weight gain is a common and debilitating side effect of antipsychotics. Although genome-wide association studies of antipsychotic-induced weight gain have been performed, few genome-wide loci have been discovered. Moreover, these genome-wide association studies have included a wide variety of antipsychotic compounds.

Aims:

We aim to gain more insight in the genomic loci affecting antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Given the variable pharmacological properties of antipsychotics, we hypothesized that targeting a single antipsychotic compound would provide new clues about genomic loci affecting antipsychotic-induced weight gain.

Methods:

All subjects included for this genome-wide association study ( n=339) were first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients treated with amisulpride and were minimally medicated (defined as antipsychotic use <2 weeks in the previous year and/or <6 weeks lifetime). Weight gain was defined as the increase in body mass index from before until approximately 1 month after amisulpride treatment.

Results:

Our genome-wide association analyses for antipsychotic-induced weight gain yielded one genome-wide significant hit (rs78310016; β=1.05; p=3.66 × 10−08; n=206) in a locus not previously associated with antipsychotic-induced weight gain or body mass index. Minor allele carriers had an odds ratio of 3.98 ( p=1.0 × 10−03) for clinically meaningful antipsychotic-induced weight gain (⩾7% of baseline weight). In silico analysis elucidated a chromatin interaction with 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Synthase 1. In an attempt to replicate single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with antipsychotic-induced weight gain, we found none were associated with amisulpride-induced weight gain.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest the involvement of rs78310016 and possibly 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA Synthase 1 in antipsychotic-induced weight gain. In line with the unique binding profile of this atypical antipsychotic, our findings furthermore hint that biological mechanisms underlying amisulpride-induced weight gain differ from antipsychotic-induced weight gain by other atypical antipsychotics.