In an eight-week residential summer camp program for visually impaired children, activities of daily living (ADL) were offered as part of the regular program. Campers consistently indicated that this was a most worthwhile learning experience. (CL)

The study identified ways in which blind and visually impaired persons utilize adaptive skills following successful rehabilitation. Chi square analyses demonstrated significant relationships between educational level and typing skills, degree of vision and handwriting skills, degree of vision and personal management skills, age of onset, and…

It has been well documented by researchers that the incidence of visual impairment (both blindness and low vision) increases as people age (see, for example, Congdon et al., 2004; Crews, 1994; Lighthouse International, 2001; Rubin, 2000) and that these physical declines can adversely affect an individual's ability to perform activities that…

The Community Adjustment Program (CAP), a summer collaborative effort between a residential school and a public school intermediate unit to instruct visually impaired mainstreamed adolescents in adaptive living and social skills, supplemented the limited daily living instruction available in the public school system. (Author/CL)

The article describes a curriculum for the visually handicapped which provides instruction in the four basic facets of landmark travel. The concepts included in the curriculum are: (1) learning the concept of landmarks, (2) remaining oriented to landmarks, (3) following direction based on landmarks, and (4) giving verbal directions based on them.…

This article addresses the types of visual impairment caused by diabetes and the unique problems that people with diabetes and visual impairment face. Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic optic neuropathy are discussed as causes of visual impairment, and specific problems in basic living are identified, including diet,…

This study investigated the relationship between use of light rapid or light rail transit (LRT) systems by persons with severe visual impairments and independence in orientation and mobility. It found that orientation and mobility training on LRT systems would resolve many of the difficulties that users encountered. Modifications to improve…

Three classes of change involved in improving the daily living skills of persons with visual impairments include changes in the work or product (the highest level of change), changes in the workplace, and changes in the worker's activity. Case studies of three adults illustrate the three levels of change. (Author/DB)

An evaluation of an intensive training program for 44 multiply handicapped adults who could not use other rehabilitation programs is described. (Author/BD)

The Independent Living Project for Deaf/Blind Youth emphasized the teaching of home management, personal management, social/emotional skills, work skills, and communication skills to increase low-functioning teenagers' autonomy. The project included an independent living apartment in which a video monitoring system was used for indirect…

A group counseling approach was used to enhance the self-concept of 10 congenitally visually impaired adolescents. Group sessions focused on such topics as self-perception, assertiveness, friendship, familial relationships, and independent living skills. Evaluation found significant improvement in self-concept, attitudes toward blindness, and…

A multiple-probe design demonstrated the effectiveness of a match to sample paradigm using tactile recipe cards, a positional tray, and systematic prompting in teaching a severely handicapped deaf-blind retarded woman the independent preparation of three breakfast foods. (Author/DB)

This study evaluated the effects of providing comprehensive low vision services to elderly persons with visual impairments in New Zealand. The 93 participants were matched on age, gender, and visual function with 93 who did not have access to comprehensive low vision services. No significant differences were found between the groups at posttest…

A survey of parents of nine multiply handicapped blind young adults enrolled in a community living program in New Zealand and of the nine staff members working with the clients indicated both groups supported parent involvement and the program content, though parents rated the adult rehabilitation services less favorably than staff. (Author/DB)