Components of low vision services are identified and results of a national survey of low vision services are presented. Among findings were that about 50% of the respondents reported that they have waiting lists for their services and that they are based in organizations whose primary function is the provision of health care. (PHR)

The article examines cultural aspects of rehabilitation of the visually impaired and compares them with alternative values and cultures, particularly among American Indians. Concerns in regarding provision of rehabilitation services to the Navajo people, such as a predominance of residential programs, are discussed. (Author/DB)

The director of an agency for the blind and visually impaired examines the service-delivery dilemma of funding versus placement decisions. Three program areas demonstrate this dilemma: (1) Social Security Disability Insurance disincentives to competitive placement; (2) the private agency's role when the educational system falls short; and (3)…

This article profiles the program delivery models, funding sources, and faculty demographics of 43 personnel preparation programs in 2002-03. It shows that there was an increase in the number of programs and fulltime faculty and a greater diversity of delivery models, although the number of tenure-track positions declined.

The synopsis describes development by the Mississippi Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind Agency of a data processing system to improve service delivery for clients and enhance the cost-effectiveness of agency resources. (Author/MC)

Self-help programs, with visually impaired older adult participants who are both the consumers and providers of the programs they initiate, provide services such as a setting for learning new skills, a telephone support network self-help groups, and information and referral service. (MC)

This article explores issues related to the use of supported employment and time-related transitional employment for blind and visually impaired persons. It defines the concepts; describes the characteristics that distinguish these services from others; and discusses the need for these services from ecological, philosophical, fiscal, and learning…

The article compares the guide dog movements in the United States and England, noting that in England there is one school with 7 centers while in the U.S. there are 10 competing schools. In England, twice as high a proportion of blind people use guide dogs. (Author/DB)

The efforts of Sight Savers, a service program of the Royal Commonwealth for the Blind, to stem the outward flow of hard currency from developing countries are described. Sight Savers furthers program sustainability by emphasizing local manpower development, selecting equipment that requires less and cheaper maintenance, and using local currency…

The case history explains the techniques used to introduce research methodology into a service agency for the visually handicapped. (BD)

The author recounts the transition in Norway from a system with specialized professionals in unique settings to a generically based system dealing with handicapped populations under general programs. Both positive and negative observations are offered, as well as recommendations for combining special services by trained professionals with the…

A survey of visually impaired children (from birth to age 12) in the Rocky Mountain/Great Plains region indicated that the majority were multiply handicapped, and that within this group, the greatest number were in the mild to moderate range. Data are presented on age ranges, current service delivery options, vocational and alternative-living…

A regional consultative model for visually impaired rural students requires collaboration among the state education agency, residential school for the blind, and local school districts. To be successful, consultants should focus on organization, positive relationships with school personnel, (including providing inservice training and access to…

The Multidisciplinary Interagency Core Evaluation Project coordinates general and specialized services existing in rural communities of New Hampshire to serve the needs of visually handicapped infants and young children who otherwise face a confusing array of services or none at all. Project operation and replication procedures are considered. (CL)

The magnitude of blindness among children and services available in the Middle East are described. The role for prevention services is discussed and recommendations for future action provided. (Author)