The construct validity of the General Handicapped Attitude Scale was investigated with 44 spinal cord lesioned patients. Scores on the subscales of acceptance and social consequences did not correlate with scores for severity of handicap but did correlate significantly with scores for personal attitude toward the handicap. (Author/DB)

A counselor blind from birth describes personal difficulties in fully understanding the experience of clients who are adventitiously blind. Congenitally blind counselors are urged to recognize that adaptive methods cannot compensate for the panoramic view of the environment provided by vision and that recently blinded individuals need to deal with…

This literature review found that 23 of the 27 works examined emphasized the impact of society or a combination of societal and personal factors, rather than solely the personal experience of blindness, on emotional and psychological reactions to adventitious blindness. Implications for rehabilitation services are noted. (Author/DB)

A congenitally disabled psychotherapist recounts her own experiences in learning to accept her body and notes the differences in self-esteem needs of congenitally versus adventitiously impaired persons. Helpful parental attitudes and actions are discussed. (CL)

Analysis of completed questionnaires from 192 individuals with newly diagnosed epilepsy found that half the sample had experienced only 3 seizures or less since onset, but 91% reported at least some adjustment problems, most frequently concerning fear of seizures, fear of stigma in employment, or problems with accepting the diagnosis. (DB)

Presents case studies of three adolescent boys with progressive vision loss who gradually became blind during adolescence. Examines the relationship between the boys' psychological adjustment to their blindness and their acquisition of braille reading skills. (Author)

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

Psychological variables influencing adjustment to acquired visual loss are examined conceptually and empirically, to clarify their role in skill acquisition and to develop a testable model of adjustment. The Nottingham Adjustment Scale, which measures anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and other characteristics, is presented, along with analysis of…

This study evaluated the effects of perceptual training and psychological counseling on adjustment to vision loss in 49 elderly persons (mean age 70) with low vision. Overall, both interventions improved the participants' visual functioning and beliefs about the loss of vision, and follow-up interviews revealed that these improvements were…

Based upon 15 interviews, the paper discusses specific educational and social problems as perceived by nine brain injured learners (14-24 years old), their teachers, families, and peers. Interview excerpts illustrate executive functions of self-awareness, self-evaluation, and self-monitoring; the effects on families; and student difficulties in…

This paper describes a computer-assisted communication system successfully used in three cases of "locked in syndrome" (in which the only reliable motor functions are eye movements). The paper concludes that patients who survive locked in syndrome for several weeks should be given the chance to communicate via a suitable system. (DB)

This article discusses the psychological processes that may underpin successful travel and adjustment of newly visually impaired young adults. A survey of 71 subjects identified the following 5 clusters of feelings: self-efficacy, vigilance, role acceptance, disorientation, and cognitive effort. (Author/DB)

This paper explores social and psychological issues facing those with acquired hearing loss, including self-identity, dealing with the loss, communication issues, and the impact of hearing impairment on significant others. Strategies and innovative approaches to promoting the well-being of deafened and hard-of-hearing individuals and their…