bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Intellect of Blind Children
Authors: Gilbert Jeanne G. , Rubin Edmund J.
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of the WISC and the Hayes-Binet as measures of the intelligence of blind children.

Thirty subjects, most of whom were in a residential school for the blind, were given both of these tests and the results compared. The mean scores on the two tests were at the borderline level, but there was considerable variation. The correlation between the two tests was 90, and the difference found in the means was not reliable.

The test-retest correlation of twenty WISC cases was .91, and again, the difference between the two means was not reliable.

Analysis of the sub-test scores of the WISC shows the Digit Span score to be reliably superior to all other scores on the WISC. It is thought that this elevation of the Digit Span score sometimes might so raise the IQ as to give an inaccurate picture of the actual mental ability of the blind child.

It would appear that because of the similar results yielded by these two tests, the fact that the WISC is shorter, easier to give, and less tiring to the blind child, makes it desirable to use in place of the Hayes-Binet in many instances. However, if the WISC is used it would be well to supplement it with a test of meaningful verbal memory so that some appraisal can be made of the child's learning ability.

A new test of general intelligence standardized on blind children is greatly needed. It would be advisable to pattern this after the WISC, but to modify the Comprehension and Similarities tests along lines more suitable for blind children and to include a test of verbal reasoning and one of meaningful verbal memory.
On the Realization of Blindness
Authors: Winton Chester A.
Published: March 2020

□ Mead's system of thought is extremely valuable in comprehending some cognitive problems which visually impaired persons experience. In his conception of the self as a process, Mead indicates that for people to act, they must make certain indications to themselves about the object of action and alternative ways of acting. We must help ease the task of realizing the existence and scope and meaning of visual impairments if we are to hope for early and more complete adaptations to these impairments. We must help ease the task of realizing the existence, scope, and meaning of visual impairments if we are interested in reducing the adverse psychological consequences of these impairments. Unless an individual makes realistic, responsible indications to himself, he cannot perform realistic, responsible acts.
The Deaf, the Blind—and the Movies
Authors: Wiedenmayer Joseph
Published: March 2020

A special forum for individuals to respond in detail to material published in the New Outlook for the Blind 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 350-1,000 words in length.
Orientation and Mobility Instruction for Blind Individuals Functioning on a Retarded Level
Authors: Johnston Benjamin C. , Corbett Michael C.
Published: March 2020

Experience at the Orange Grove Center for the Retarded, Chattanooga, indicates that blind youths who function on a retarded level can be taught orientation and mobility skills through an emphasis on very basic pre-cane skills and the addition of more intermediate steps in the standard teaching techniques.
A Macro-Solution in Special Education
Authors: Guldager Lars
Published: March 2020

A macro-solution is a comprehensive system of public and private agencies in which the services needed by a specific group of children are coordinated in such a way that all such children receive services in the most efficient and least redundant way. Proper coordination of existing agencies and centralized planning and evaluation are the keys. Using the examples of the national system of centers for deaf blind children in the United States and the programs for the education of the deaf in Denmark, a macro-solution for the provision of services to all exceptional children in the United States is proposed. Specific suggestions include a state coordinator for all services, a central registry, coordination of funding, and centralized certification of personnel. A case history illustrating the inefficiency of the present system is provided.
Counseling Families of Severely Visually Handicapped Children
Authors: Froyd Helen E.
Published: March 2020

Professional counseling can benefit both the severely visually handicapped child and his family. Initially, counseling may be useful to family members as they deal with their immediate reactions to the diagnosis and begin to develop realistic expectations for their handicapped child. When involved, the professional person may continue to provide an essential service. As the severely visually handicapped child faces each developmental task, the route he takes to achievement differs greatly from that used by the sighted child; hence, the uniqueness of the needs of the severely visually handicapped child. This uniqueness, how to deal with it, and what problems arise when it goes unrecognized, are all potential areas in which the professional person may be involved. In addition to these direct services, the professional person may serve as consultant to community agencies willing to work with these children. Unfortunately, persons prepared to meet the needs described are seldom available to the severely visually handicapped child and his family.
Some Hints on Enjoyable Gardening
Authors: Cardwell Harold D.
Published: March 2020

A special forum for individuals to respond in detail to material published in the New Outlook for the Blind 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 350-1,000 words in length.
Creative Movement Classes for Visually Handicapped Children in a Public School Setting
Authors: Resnick Rose
Published: March 2020

The creative movement class was begun to provide visually handicapped children in the public schools with an appropriate physical education program. The emphasis was on the development of motor skills, posture, orientation, balance, and self-concept. Sample lessons describing the exercises and activities of the class are given, along with a summary of some of the special techniques that were found to be useful.
How to Play with Your Partially Sighted Preschool Child: Suggestions for Early Sensory and Educational Activities
Authors: Barry M. Adelaide
Published: March 2020

The purpose of endorsing a systematic and logical program of visual stimulation is to bring the visually impaired child into a world of functional reality. Specifically, an infant can be perceptually reinforced and “rerouted” to seeing by making optimum use of available equipment such as an infant seat, walker, backpack, jumper, records, and special television programs. Familiarizing the infant with colors, shapes, and written symbols and initiating him to basic reading at the same time that he is proceeding through critical periods and entering certain stages strengthens his self-determination and prepares him for the mandatory school curriculum. Success in responding to challenges is important to an infant's unfolding personality and produces psychological confidence. Visual stimulation encourages the visually handicapped child and such encouragement, in turn, facilitates his search for personal achievement in adult years.
The Practice of Guide Dog Mobility in the United Kingdom
Authors: Robson Howard
Published: March 2020

The services and concessions available to guide dog owners in the United Kingdom are fully described, with particular reference to veterinary, transportation, commercial, and state sectors. The facilities and allowances provided by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) are detailed, together with financial implications. Physical and mental standards expected of guide dog applicants and the subsequent interview procedure are discussed, as is the residential course of instruction leading to graduation. The selection and training of acceptable dogs are outlined; desirable physical and temperamental characteristics are enumerated, together with factors relating to the ultimate quality and safety of the guide dog unit. The follow-up services of the GDBA are described and a short explanation of what a well-trained and suitably matched guide dog unit can do is provided.
Mary E. Switzer: A Tribute—A Memorial
Authors: Salmon Peter J.
Published: March 2020

A special forum for individuals to respond in detail to material published in the New Outlook for the Blind 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.
Early vs. Late Vision: The Role of Early Vision in Spatial Reference Systems
Authors: Warren David H.
Published: March 2020

Support for the hypothesis that the early visual experience of adventitiously blind persons gives them a visual frame of reference after the onset of blindness is found in studies of tactual form discrimination and finger maze learning and in experiments involving “extended space.” The length of early visual experience is an important factor and is related to the progressive establishment of cross-modal correspondences in the early months of life.
Itinerant Teaching Using Mobile Classrooms
Authors: Coté Jules
Published: March 2020

A special forum for individuals to respond in detail to material published in the New Outlook for the Blind 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.
A Personal Approach to Teaching Braille Reading to Youths and Adults
Authors: Craig Ruth H.
Published: March 2020

The emphasis in this four-phase approach to teaching braille is on the development of good reading skills, especially movement and the use of context. Contractions and signs are introduced as they occur in reading materials. Few special texts are used since there is greater interest in learning to read meaningful material—stories, songs, etc., rather than word lists or sentence fragments. The teaching methods are described in detail. The writing of braille is only taught in the later lessons.
The Role of the Low Vision Assistant in the Care of Visually Impaired Persons
Authors: Rosenbloom Alfred A. , Jose Randall T.
Published: March 2020

Low vision assistants are critically needed to fill the manpower shortage in low vision care if complete services are to be available to all visually impaired persons. It is important that formal training programs provide these paraprofessionals with the knowledge basic to low vision care. Assistants must be qualified to perform at least half of the necessary diagnostic procedures, take case histories, train the patient to use the low vision aid and provide follow-up care, write reports, and make referrals to other agencies when needed. Professionals and paraprofessionals work as a team toward improved low vision care.
Cardiovascular Endurance Training for Blind Persons
Authors: Stamford Bryant A.
Published: March 2020

Cardiovascular endurance training (CVET), or continuous, whole-body activity involving a major portion of the total muscle mass, is suggested as a positive and feasible activity for blind persons. Evidence is presented that supports CVET as an agent capable of 1) producing adequate levels of physical fitness, 2) reducing to some degree the probability of coronary heart disease, and 3) reducing the effects of the state of anxiety accompanying unguided blind mobility. A program of chair stepping, which may be implemented as a progressive and productive CVET regimen, is described.
A Walking-Jogging Program for Blind Persons
Authors: Laughlin Sheila
Published: March 2020

Many blind persons have a tendency to limit their physical activity to only the most necessary movements. With a railed track (or any adaptive mechanism or technique permitting intense, prolonged activity), motion can be increased and physical fitness promoted. One of the best indicators of physical fitness is the individual's aerobic capacity or cardiovascular endurance. Walking and/or jogging programs for individuals who are personally motivated open the way for greater physical and mental well-being.
The Social Acceptance of Blind High School Students in an Integrated School
Authors: Eaglestein A. Solomon
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the academic standing and social acceptance of nine blind students studying in a regular high school. It was found that their school marks were average, and that they were well integrated into the social framework of their classes. However, there was evidence that as length of exposure to the blind students increased, their acceptance by sighted classmates decreased.
Patient Satisfaction with Residential Adjustment to Blindness Training
Authors: Needham Walter E. , De L'Aune William R.
Published: March 2020

Patients who had received adjustment to blindness training at a VA residential center were questioned as to the program's effectiveness after they had returned to their community for a period of six months or longer. Patient satisfaction was high, with approximately half of the veterans rating the program as optimal in most areas. Expressions of dissatisfaction were directed to wanting more rather than less training, attesting to the relevancy of the traditional model of residential blind skill training. Need for additional braille and communications skills was expressed, as well as a desire for more recreational activities. Use of blindfold training was strongly endorsed. Essentially two-thirds of the blinded veterans who received training described their lives as either extremely satisfying or somewhat satisfying at that time. Patient satisfaction ratings were seen to be a useful method of evaluating rehabilitation services.
The Place of CCTV in the Rehabilitation of the Low Vision Patient
Authors: Turner Peter J.
Published: March 2020

To assist practitioners in identifying patients likely to benefit from the use of electronic real-image magnification, the basic principles of closed circuit TV read/write systems are described, and the present state of the technology is reviewed together with the potential for future development. Case histories illustrate special situations where a CCTV magnifier has met a definite need.
Piaget's Theory and the Visually Handicapped Learner
Authors: Swallow Rose-Marie
Published: March 2020

Research based on the writings of Piaget indicates that the cognitive functioning of the visually impaired child is slower to develop than that of his sighted counterpart. In addition, there may be a developmental gap between the operative and figurative aspects of his thought as well as difficulties in image formation. The author reviews current literature and presents basic educational tenets based upon interpretations of Piaget's work and research findings. She emphasizes the blind child's need of direct physical experiences with concrete objects and verbal interaction with both adults and members of his peer group to learn about the world around him.
Rural Mobility for Blind Persons
Authors: Johnson Scott B. , Larson Richard W.
Published: March 2020

Rural areas, because of their comparative lack of convenient guidelines, require that blind persons employ somewhat different travel methods from those used in urban situations. The ways in which natural and man-made features of the environment, as well as other clues, can be used for confident travel are discussed, and suggestions for teaching mobility in rural areas are presented.
Rehabilitation Teachers —Who are We?
Authors: Hanson Thomas
Published: March 2020

Rehabilitation teaching of blind persons employs many of the principles used in the allied professions of special education, social case work, orientation and mobility, vocational rehabilitation and guidance counseling, and occupational therapy. But the way these principles are applied, along with other highly specialized skills, serves to create the distinct profession of rehabilitation teacher of the blind.
Computer-Dependent Services for Blind Persons
Authors: Foulke Emerson
Published: March 2020

The computer can play an important role in providing the assistance needed by blind persons in order to be competitive in educational and vocational settings. Computer Services for the Blind is now attempting the development of three kinds of assistance: the ARTS system, the transcription of print to braille, and the production of tacto-graphic displays. Although the time-sharing capability of modern computers should ultimately make the provision of computer-dependent assistance economical, the initial costs of development and deployment are high. Current prospects for obtaining funds to meet developmental costs are not promising and CSB has no assurance of the continuing support it would need for the development that must precede the economic deployment of assistance.
Teaching Basic Ward Layout to the Severely Retarded Blind: An Auditory Approach
Authors: Uslan Mark M.
Published: March 2020

In a mobility program to teach basic ward layout to nine severely retarded blind residents (ages 17-21) of Muscatatuck State Hospital and Training Center, auditory clues associated with receiving food were used on the route from the dayroom to the dining room and back. When electronically triggered floor mats placed at critical turning points on the route were stepped on, they activated strategically located speakers to play “food associated” music. Although this approach was endorsed as a viable concept worth further investigation, a controlled study was not conducted, and conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of the approach must await further investigation.
State Certification Requirements for Teachers of the Visually Handicapped
Authors: Spungin Susan Jay
Published: March 2020

Provides state by state information on the degrees and courses required for certification as a teacher of visually handicapped children. Only four states and the District of Columbia do not require special certification, 42 states require at least a bachelor's degree, and three states require a master's degree.
Modifications of the Long Cane for Use by a Multiply Impaired Child
Authors: Morse Kathleen Ann
Published: March 2020

One alternative is proposed for meeting the primary goals of all mobility techniques, those of safety and information, for those students whose orientation establishes them as ready to travel independently, but whose body image, concepts, or physical abilities preclude the use of standard nobility methods. Modification of the long cane and variations in technique are described.
Mobility and Malpractice
Authors: Uslan Mark , Jacobs Cynthia
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.
Spatial Representation in Blind Children. 3: Effects of Individual Differences
Authors: Fletcher Janet F.
Published: March 2020

Theories of spatial representation in blind people have focused on the type of representation of which they, as a group, are capable. This approach overlooks an important issue, namely, the differences among individual blind people and the effects that these differences have on the way spatial information is represented. Data from another article by the author on the same study of spatial representation in blind children were subjected to two step-wise regression analyses to determine the relationships between several subject-related variables and responses to “map” (cognitive map) and “route” (sequential memory) questions about the position of furniture in a recently explored room. The independent variables accounted for 70 percent of the variance on map questions but only 46 percent of the variance on route questions. On map questions, general intellectual ability correlated positively with performance (p < .01), children with visual acuity better than light perception in the first 3 years of life performed better than those with less early vision (p < .05), and children who became blind from retrolental fibroplasia performed more poorly than those whose blindness was due to other causes (p < .05). Fewer independent variables contributed to the variance in performance on route questions. Again children with visual acuity better than light perception in their first 3 years performed better than those with less early vision.
Data Synthesis: Alternative Approaches to Research with Low Incidence Populations
Authors: Unruh David , Barraga Natalie C.
Published: March 2020

The development of an extensive body of research information pertaining to visually handicapped persons is hindered by small, heterogeneous, population samples and by the small number of studies. Four approaches to data synthesis are explored as one means of integrating and synthesizing the limited information available.
Morale of Teachers of the Visually Handicapped: Implications for Administrators
Authors: Bina Michael J.
Published: March 2020

The Purdue Teacher Opinionaire (PTO) was used to determine the morale of 238 teachers of the visually handicapped (VH) teachers. No significant differences in total scores were found in the total sample of VH teachers and the various subgroups when compared to the morale of regular education teachers, although some significant differences were found in subfactor scores. In general VH teachers in the high morale group, compared to those in the low morale group, were older; had more teaching experience; had higher salaries; lived in a small city; felt appreciated by administrators, parents, and students; and worked for administrators who exercised democratic leadship and who supervised the teachers frequently. Factors contributing to satisfaction and dissatisfaction are presented, as are implications for practice and recommendations for further research.
Personality Assessment of Early Visually Impaired Persons Using the CPI and the MMPI
Authors: Adrian Robert J. , Miller Laurence R. , De L'aune William R.
Published: March 2020

The California Psychological Inventory and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory were administered to 128 women and men, aged 18-55, who were totally blind or partially sighted from birth, infancy, or early childhood, who had no other neurological, perceptual, or sensory-motor difficulties in addition to blindness, and had completed the eighth grade. The significant findings relate to the differences between the sample and sighted reference groups. Although both inventories seem to be highly sensitive to the adjustment patterns of early visually impaired persons, the findings clearly indicate that individual personality test results can be interpreted only when norms are appropriate and based on a representative group of visually impaired persons. Variant CPI and MMPI scale scores may not necessarily reflect psychopathology, but rather may be indicative of the unique adaptive processes of persons who experienced early visual impairment. Since the total experience of congenital or early visual impairment is not easily understood, normative data must be developed so meaningful and relevant comparisons can be made among persons who have shared common developmental experiences.
Braille Literacy Begins with the Slate and Stylus
Authors: Eldridge Carlton
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 350-1000 words in length.
Care of Elderly People with Low Vision
Authors: Rosenbloom Alfred A.
Published: March 2020

The nature and extent of visual impairment among the elderly and their implications for health planning are described. Important components of the low vision examination, the kinds of low vision aids most useful for elderly persons, and the adaptive factors, including environmental controls, are emphasized as important aspects of the rehabilitation process.
Low Vision Services: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Quality
Authors: Evers Cate
Published: March 2020

Problems in the delivery of comprehensive low vision services include an insufficient number of facilities, lack of funding, and limited training for professionals in low vision. The three approaches to provision of low vision services are (1) cafeteria-style, (2) isolationism, and (3) interdisciplinary service. Good-quality low vision care is provided best by an on-going interdisciplinary service. Settings and sources of funds for low vision services are discussed.
On the Use of the Blindfold
Authors: Olson Carl W.
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 350-1000 words in length.
Living In—A Lesson in Role Reversal
Authors: Poss Dorothy
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 350-1000 words in length.
Implications of the IBM Audio Typing Unit for Blind Word Processors
Authors: Day Richard R. , Gum Wayne , Degrasse William
Published: March 2020

The Audio Typing Unit by IBM was designed to enable visually impaired typists to make revisions and review final copy without the assistance of sighted co-workers. The ability of the unit to do so, based on monitoring the performance of five subjects, is reviewed. The authors state that the unit has a significant impact upon the learning process for visually impaired word processors, and suggest incorporating training on the Audio Typing Unit into vocational rehabilitation programs for blind persons.
Demand for Rehabilitation Teachers in 1981
Authors: Uslan Mark M. , Asenjo J. Albert , Peck Alec F.
Published: March 2020

State agencies, private non-profit agencies and residential schools for the blind were surveyed to determine the 1981 demand for rehabilitation teachers. In 1981 there were over twice as many budgeted vacancies for rehabilitation teachers as there were graduates of university training programs, and preliminary projections to 1990 indicate that the blind and visually impaired population needing rehabilitation services will continue to grow.
Short Term Group Counseling of Visually Impaired People by Telephone
Authors: Jaureguy Beth M. , Evans Ron L.
Published: March 2020

An experimental study is described which examines the use of telephone group counseling for the visually impaired. The experimental group differed significantly from controls after treatment on measures of social involvement but not on measures of depression or agitation. Subjects’ achievement of self-selected goals were related to the expectations of their support network. Findings suggest that group telephone counseling can effect positive changes in the physical and social behavior of visually impaired people.
Role Model: Getting and Keeping a First Job
Authors: Sandhaus Karen
Published: March 2020

A personal biography focused on the importance of gaining a realistic understanding of the skills and attributes needed to compete in the job market.
Rehabilitation: The Double Bind for Blind Women
Authors: Elder Billie P.
Published: March 2020

Blind women are in double jeopardy in this society. They are subject to prejudice and stigmatization on two counts: because they are disabled and because they are women. The author describes the complexities of the rehabilitation process, especially in relation to blind women, and suggests what rehabilitation workers and blind women themselves can do to improve the situation.
Reading Speed under Real and Simulated Visual Impairment
Authors: Krischer Christof C. , Meissen Ralf
Published: March 2020

The reading speed of subjects was studied under conditions of simulated and real visual impairment. For subjects with normal visual field and average reading speeds, two types of visual impairment were simulated: cataracts and deteriorated retinas. Three groups of partially sighted persons also were studied: those with normal visual fields, those with defects in peripheral fields, and those with defects in the central field. The results for these three groups were similar to those obtained under conditions of simulated visual impairment. The authors conclude that reading speed depends on visual acuity.
A Consortium Approach to Improvement of Services
Authors: Walker Don L. , Head Dan
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 350-1000 words in length.
Use of the Binaural Sensory Aid by Young Children
Authors: Strelow E. R.
Published: March 2020

Four blind children aged 10-30 months received training in the use of the Binaural Sensory Aid, adapted for use by children. The youngest child learned to respond to the presence of objects at 13 months. The next oldest child (21 months) learned to respond in one training session and subsequently was able to interpret distance and object-category information provided by the aid. The two older children (24 and 30 months) showed substantially less ability to respond to information provided by the aid primarily because their attention span was limited and because of competing behaviors that were incompatible with the use of the aid. Contradictions in the literature indicate the need for more reliable research methods than have been used so far. The intensive study of single cases and the use of animal research are recommended.
A Summer Work Experience Program for Visually Impaired Students
Authors: Cacich Jane C. , Dosch Thomas G.
Published: March 2020

The Summer Work Experience Program in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a nine-week evaluation and work-experience program for tenth and eleventh graders. The program consists of two parts: (1) a three-week residential-living experience in which students are evaluated in the areas of daily living, orientation and mobility, socialization, vocational abilities, and career planning and (2) a six-week segment in which students work at paid jobs. Information gained from the program is used for future educational planning and guiding students toward realistic vocational goals.
Pilot Test of the Trisensor, A New Generation Sonar Sensory Aid
Authors: Easton Randolph D. , Jackson Richard M.
Published: March 2020

This report describes the results of a pilot study undertaken to assess systematically the usability of the Trisensor in near space, object localization tasks. In general, findings support the contention that the high resolution, center channel reduces the degree of angle error when reaching for targets in near space. It was also found that the degree of angle error associated with the binaural side channels could be reduced if targets were moved from the periphery into place during localization.
Acoustic Coupling to the Ears in Binaural Sensory Aids
Authors: Kay Leslie
Published: March 2020

The methods of coupling the echo signals from a continuous-wave, frequency-modulated, echo-ranging sonar system to the human auditory system are discussed in relation to the acoustic cortical image that can be formed. The author points out that a considerable amount of blurring and distortion of the image can occur when the miniature earphones are operated remote from the meatus without a coupling tube. Because of the deleterious effect of this blurring and distortion on the perceived image, any conclusions drawn from a set of experiments involving such a coupling are questionable.
Service Patterns for Elderly Blind Clientele
Authors: Dinner Shirley , Raftary Alice
Published: March 2020

Innovations were made in patterns of service to elderly blind clients to accommodate the special needs and life-styles of this population and provide cost-effective means of making these services available to a rapidly increasing number of people.
Reducing Self-Stimulatory Mouthing Behaviors in Deaf-Blind Children
Authors: Mcdaniel Gail , Kocim Roberta , Barton Lyle E.
Published: March 2020

Three procedures for reducing inappropriate mouthing behavior in deaf-blind school children are described: (1) contingent reinforcement and a signaled “No” during a training session for appropriate play with toys, (2) two forms of contingent presentation of an aversive taste to reduce inappropriate self-stimulatory and self-injurious mouthing, and (3) contingent presentation of an aversive taste, a signaled “No,” and a cueing signal to reduce inappropriate finger-sucking. The effectiveness and efficiency of the three procedures are compared.
The Reading Rates for Contracted and Uncontracted Braille of Blind Norwegian Adults
Authors: Bruteig J.M.
Published: March 2020

This article reports on a study of 35 late-blind Norwegian adults, aged 20-70, in reading equivalent texts and single words in contracted and uncontracted braille. The objective was to register their general reading behavior and to measure their reading rates for both types of Norwegian braille. Although the subjects’ reading rates increased when they read contracted versions of both the text passages and single words, their rates were higher with the contracted single words. Furthermore, the slow readers saved more time than did the fast readers when they read texts in which contractions were used frequently.
Perceptions of a Community Program for Multiply Handicapped Blind Young Adults
Authors: Syme J. , Wilton K.
Published: March 2020

This article reports the results of a survey of the perceptions of parents of nine multiply handicapped young adults enrolled in a community living program in New Zealand and of the nine staff members who were working with the young adults. All the parents believed that the program had benefited their multiply handicapped children. Both parents and staff members strongly supported the involvement of parents in the program and the content and focus of the program. Although both the parents and the staff members believed that available support services were adequate, the social worker and adult rehabilitation services were viewed much less favorably by the parents than by the staff.
Memory for Verbally Presented Routes: A Comparison of Strategies Used by Blind and Sighted People
Authors: Easton R.D. , Bentzen B.L.
Published: March 2020

Experiments were conducted to determine the manner in which congenitally blind and sighted people remember verbal route descriptions. Subjects listened to route descriptions and were then required to perform either spatial or abstract/verbal sentence verifications before finger tracing those routes through a raised line matrix. Route tracing speed and accuracy revealed that for both congenitally blind and sighted subjects, spatial sentence verification interfered more with route memory, even though the spatial verifications were easier than the verbal/abstract verifications for both subject groups when performed alone. The finding indicates that both blind and sighted people transform verbal route descriptions into a spatial imagery form to guide finger tracing. If spatial information is remembered using an imagery strategy, then tactile maps may be better suited than verbal maps for conveying spatial information to blind travelers.
Demographic Characteristics and Impairments of Louisiana Students with Usher's Syndrome
Authors: Brown S.C.
Published: March 2020

Usher's syndrome is a genetic condition that is characterized by hearing loss and progressive blindness from retinitis pigmentosa. This article reports on a study of the impairments and demographic characteristics of 60 Louisiana students with Usher's syndrome that were analyzed to identify their interrelationships. The research found that although a substantial majority of the students had a manifested visual impairment and profound hearing loss, some of the students had less-than-profound hearing loss and no manifested visual impairment—a finding that corroborated the findings of previous studies. Moreover, the severity of these two impairments seems to be interrelated.
Teaching Visual Attention in Functional Contexts: Acquisition and Generalization of Complex Visual Motor Skills
Authors: Goetz L. , Gee K.
Published: March 2020

A three-year-old girl with multiple severe disabilities including aphakia was taught to visually attend to stimulus items in a training program that emphasized functional, age-appropriate visual motor tasks that required the use of vision for successful task completion. Within these task contexts, use of a repeated prompting procedure was successful in establishing visual attention, and generalization of visual attention to untrained tasks was observed. Additionally, increases in visual attention, whether trained or generalized, were associated with improved motor skill accuracy in the absence of any direct motor skill training on several tasks. Results are discussed in terms of classroom implications for vision “stimulation” programs and in terms of visual attention as a critical skill that may show multiple treatment effects.
Working with Native American Persons: Issues in Facilitating Communication and Providing Culturally Relevant Services
Authors: Orlansky M.D. , Trap J.J.
Published: March 2020

This article discusses several special concerns in providing education and rehabilitation services to Native American individuals. Suggestions are offered to assist non-Native American professionals in developing effective patterns of communication and interaction with disabled Native American students or clients and their families. A list of suggested readings on the education of Native American students also is included.
Rehabilitation Relevant to Culture and Disability
Authors: Lowrey L.
Published: March 2020

Culture and values are all too often ignored in the delivery of human services—a result that is frequently disastrous for American Indian recipients. This article examines some of the cultural aspects of rehabilitation and compares them with alternative values and cultures to demonstrate the need for change. It also describes the process of change that has already occurred on the Navajo reservation.
Vision in the 1980s: A Bright Outlook for Senior Citizens
Authors: Weinstock F.J.
Published: March 2020

Geriatric ophthalmology is assuming an increased importance in the 1980s. Never before have elderly citizens had the opportunities for visual rehabilitation and vision care that they have today. Geriatric ophthalmology stresses the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vision problems in an understanding, caring, and efficient manner. This article discusses three aspects of geriatric ophthalmology: facts about vision and aging, modern advances in geriatric ophthalmology, and recommendations.
A Functional Classification for Independent Living for Persons with Visual Impairments
Authors: Sands D.J. , Dunlap W.R.
Published: March 2020

A meaningful classification for living, work, and education was achieved by grouping 159 persons who were blind or visually impaired according to seven independent living skills. The use of functional skills for placement and training would allow providers of services to respond to clients’ individual strengths and needs.
Communication between Staff and Deaf-Blind People in Community Residences
Authors: Romer L.T. , Schoenberg B.
Published: March 2020

Despite the consensus that communication is a critical aspect of programming for persons with dual sensory impairments (deaf-blindness), little is known about the communication these individuals use as adults in natural environments. The study reported here examined issues of communicative control for staff and eight individuals with deaf-blindness and mental retardation in three residential programs. Overall rates of communication, the degree to which residents initiated communication, and communication with other residents and visitors were examined. Implications for communication training and the design of programs are discussed.
A Survey of Recreation Personnel in Agencies and Schools for Blind and Visually Impaired People
Authors: Ludwig I.
Published: March 2020

This article reports on a national survey of recreation personnel in agencies and schools for blind and visually impaired persons. The survey addressed the personnel's employment status, educational background and continuing education experiences, professional affiliation, and interest in networking with other recreation personnel who work with blind and visually impaired persons.
Profile of Music Programs at Residential Schools for Blind and Visually Impaired Students
Authors: Corn A.L. , Bailey G.L.
Published: March 2020

Residential schools for blind and visually impaired students have always considered music programs to be a vital component of their education of students. This article reports on the authors’ 1988 survey of music programs in residential schools and presents information on teachers, materials, course offerings, accomplishments, goals, and administrative concerns. Suggestions for the enhancement of music programs are made in light of the survey.
Using the Acuity Card Procedure to Assess Visual Acuity in Children with Severe and Multiple Impairments
Authors: Geruschat D.R.
Published: March 2020

This study evaluated the Acuity Card Procedure, an acuity test originally developed for assessing the visual acuity of infants. The study found that, of the 36 children assessed, 42 percent responded; however, after a simple intervention, the response rate increased to 85 percent. These results suggest that the Acuity Card Procedure can be useful in assessing the visual acuity of children with severe visual and multiple impairments.
High Vision Games Net Low Vision Gains
Authors: Paul B.
Published: March 2020

The High Vision Games are a motivating, fun-filled habilitation model for youths with low vision.
Employment Concerns of People with Blindness or Visual Impairments
Authors: Wolffe K.E. , Roessler R.T. , Schriner K.F.
Published: March 2020

Seventy-six consumer members of the American Council of the Blind with primary disabilities of blindness or visual impairment responded to an Employment Concerns Questionnaire which was developed by consumers, advocates, and service providers. Respondents’ concerns included their not receiving adequate help in developing job search strategies, in obtaining information on career opportunities, and in financing assistive devices.
A Needs-Analysis Survey of Users of an Audio Book Library
Authors: Murray J. , Huynh T.T.T. , Williamson K.
Published: March 2020

The users of an audio book library were surveyed by telephone to collect data for formulating a policy on the development of the library's collection. The survey found that adults have a broad range of reading interests and that men and women prefer different genres of fiction.
An Evaluation of Low Vision Services
Authors: D'Allura T. , McInerney R. , Horowitz A.
Published: March 2020

This article reports on a telephone survey of 147 consumers, aged 27–96, conducted to determine the effectiveness of low vision services in helping them reach their goals. The survey found that the vast majority of the respondents continued to use their devices every day for months after low vision services were completed and that three-fourths reported that the services had a positive impact on their everyday functioning.
Surgical Treatment and Outcomes for Sinonasal and Skull Base Phosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumors
Authors: Tang Ru , Mao Song , Lin Hai , Ye Hai‐Bo , Li Da‐Wei , Chen Zheng‐Nong , Su Kai‐Ming , Zhang Wei‐Tian
Published: March 2020

Objective

To describe our clinical experience with surgical treatments for sinonasal phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors diagnosed at our institution.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Subjects and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 10 patients diagnosed with phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors associated with tumor‐induced osteomalacia between December 2014 and October 2019.

Results

There were 4 men and 6 women with a disease course of 1 to 19 years. All patients exhibited hypophosphatemia and tumor‐induced osteomalacia. The tumor was located in the sinonasal region, frontal bone, and temporal bone in 8 patients, 1 patient, and 1 patient, respectively. Technetium‐99m octreotide scintigraphy was used for tumor localization in 4 cases. Six patients underwent endoscopic resection; the remaining 4 underwent unilateral transorbital anterior and posterior ethmoid artery ligation + endoscopic resection, endoscopic resection + skull base repair, internal carotid artery stenting + transcatheter arterial embolization + temporal bone tumor excision + adipose tissue plugging, and endoscopic resection + transfrontal craniotomy (n = 1 each). Two patients had a history of incomplete endoscopic resection. All patients achieved clinical remission and normalized biochemical indices after surgery. Only 1 patient developed recurrence and died of a brain hernia.

Conclusions

A diagnosis of sinonasal phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors should be based on a combination of clinical, imaging, and pathological findings. Technetium‐99m octreotide scintigraphy helps in locating the tumor. Complete surgical excision guarantees clinical remission, and preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization or feeding artery ligation may reduce intraoperative bleeding in cases of highly vascularized tumors.
Cognitive and Quality of Life‐Related Burdens of Illness in Pediatric Allergic Airway Disease
Authors: Yamasaki Alisa , Burks Ciersten A. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: March 2020

Objective

To analyze the prevalence of pediatric allergic airway disease (PAA) and recognize its impact on cognitive function, childhood activities, use of early intervention, and missed school days.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 2014 to 2017.

Setting

US households.

Subjects and Methods

An NHIS survey of US children and responding caregivers was analyzed to determine the prevalence of PAA, including allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. Associations were determined between the presence of PAA and activities limited by difficulty remembering, limitation in the amount of childhood play, use of special education/early intervention, and number of missed school days in the past 12 months. Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and income level.

Results

An estimated 11.1 million (10.6‐11.6 million, 95% confidence interval) children (mean age, 9.9 years; 56.9% male) reported a diagnosis of PAA (15.1% [14.6‐15.6%]). Children with PAA missed 4.0 (3.7‐4.4) school days per year vs 2.2 (2.1‐2.4) days for those without PAA (P <. 001, adjusted). PAA was associated with limited daily activities due to difficulty with memory (odds ratio, 1.8 [1.2‐2.9]), limitations in childhood play (3.2 [2.2‐4.7]), and need for special education/early intervention services (1.6 [1.4‐1.8]) after adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and income level.

Conclusion

PAA is a common condition and is associated with declines in cognitive function and school attendance as well as increased use of special education/early intervention. Given the significant prevalence and burden of illness of PAA, further attention is needed to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.