The Jordy electronic magnification device is one of a small number of electronic headborne devices designed to provide people with low vision the capability to perform near-range, intermediate-range, and distance viewing tasks. This report seeks to define the benefits of using the Jordy as a low vision device by people who are legally blind. The…

Since it is the visually handicapped consumer who makes possible the existence of specialized social and educational institutions for the blind, he or she must be free to exercise certain rights. (Author)

The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind is primarily responsible for services to visually impaired people in New Zealand. The article describes its history, structure, services, and plans for the future. (Author/JDD)

A case study shows how the lack of administrative training can lead to career tragedy when a practitioner in a rehabilitation center for the blind becomes an administrator. The author recommends that agencies expand career development programs to remedy the situation. (Author)

The article describes how a 60-hour training program helped 32 blind persons use biofeedback techniques to improve blood flow to arms, hands, legs, and feet (especially important for diabetics), and to reduce anxiety through relaxation. (Author)

The article describes how a rehabilitation center for the blind, aware that many clients were inept in dealing with society at large, instituted an assertive skills training program to improve client skills in this area. (Author/SBH)

The psychosocial and visual problems of proliferating diabetic retinopathy are discussed in terms of four stages: discovery of the diagnosis, developing awareness of the diagnosis, realization of disability, and stabilization of vision. (Author)

As part of a state residential center's 16-week training program to assist blind adults, aged 16-65, in acquiring employability skills, clients receive hands-on training in mastering the IBM Memory 100 Audio Unit typewriter. Training includes assessing prerequisite secretarial skills, using self-instructional materials, and evaluating performance.…

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)

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…

A course on information and resources should be a basic component of any rehabilitation program for newly blinded individuals. (Author)

A national survey of 128 private rehabilitation agencies serving visually impaired persons suggested that the private sector provided a substantial resource for implementation of government programs, although federal funds were a relatively small portion of the total funding. Funding structure differed according to agency size. (CL)

Two factors are discussed that should influence the planning and development of rehabilitation services for visually impaired people: social perceptions/expectations (media influence, leisure, health, quality of life, and equality of opportunity) and external environmental influences (demographic, economic, social, political, and physical).…

This article describes the Rehabilitation Teachers Division of Migdal Or, an Israeli rehabilitation agency. It discusses the division's history, structure, features, and adaptations from other programs to the needs and cultures of blind and visually impaired people in Israel. (Author/JDD)

A profile is presented of the gender, age, and diagnoses of individuals with visual impairments in Finland. Services provided, current legislative measures, rehabilitation courses, and orientation and mobility training are also described. (JDD)