A visually impaired rehabilitation teacher describes a model developed in Maine for providing low vision services, with emphasis on teaching the use of near-point aids to assist on near-point tasks. The article addresses preevaluation services, assessment of clients with low vision, and follow-up when the client begins using the aids at home. (DB)

Describes a transdisciplinary model of blind rehabilitation service delivery used at the SouthWestern Blind Rehabilitation Center (SWBRC). SWBRC brought together representatives from orientation and mobility, rehabilitation teaching, low vision, and manual skills to provide comprehensive services to veterans with visual impairments. A case study…

This article discusses the creation of Rehabilitation Teaching Assistant (RTA) paraprofessional positions as a solution to the shortage of certified rehabilitation teachers for individuals with visual impairments. It discusses the potential negative ramifications of this approach and urges requiring a 2-year associate's degree as the education…

A study examined the short-term outcomes achieved by 70 older people with visual impairments who received rehabilitation services. Results found rehabilitation services were associated with reduction in the use of medical doctors, reduction in the use of in-home professionals, and increased confidence and increased ease of use in public…

Reviews various models used for delivering personal adjustment services to individuals with visual impairments, including center-based services and home-based services. Addresses the need to individualize the rehabilitation process by determining the type of program and service delivery that best meets an individual's needs. (CR)

This article investigates the needs of the visually impaired over age 65 population and suggests rehabilitation services that could remedy the implications of age-related visual impairment. These include service-delivery programs that include peer support groups and one-on-one instruction, adaptive communication strategies, and orientation and…

The article reports on two 1989 visits to the Soviet Union to observe rehabilitation services for the blind. Described are the demographics, the profit-making factory system in which many visually impaired persons work, rehabilitation centers, technology, and services to older blind persons. (DB)

The expertise of rehabilitation teachers and diabetes nurse educators can complement each other in components of diabetes management for people who have become visually impaired. The role of each professional involves education; integration of diabetes self-management into a comprehensive rehabilitation program; nutrition; exercise; medication,…

Some of the problems the Americans with Disabilities Act is causing for individuals with visual impairments are discussed in this article, including the status of the process of accommodations and difficulties with the process of requesting accommodations. The need for rehabilitation professionals to understand the obstacles to requesting…

Describes the North Dakota School for the Blind's shift from traditional residential services to an emphasis on an expansive outreach service network that serves the vision-specific needs of students in their local schools. The results of a program survey of 24 educators and parents are discussed. (CR)

A rehabilitation teacher at the Kansas State School for the Blind describes her job. Her main responsibilities are to teach a transition class to older high school students and to be at the local community college to assist students to be successful in that setting. Students are taught cooking, cleaning skills, and skills for independent apartment…