The Hearing Aid Malfunction Detection Unit is a miniature, add-on device which performs a check of hearing aid operation about every half hour, and which indicates malfunction by means of a highly visible, electrically tripped indicator. (Author/SBH)

The study was designed to assess the impact on Optacon reading rates with nine blind adults of instructional materials based on structural and functional aspects of language, cloze procedures, and auditory pacing. Marked increases in oral reading rates were observed across Ss. (Author)

An independent engineering evaluation was conducted of the Optical to Tactile Converter (Optacon), a reading aid for the blind which senses the contrast of printed text and coverts the information into a tactile presentation. The manufacturer's reply to the evaluation gives a general impression of the report, responds to specific suggestions for…

The article describes application for visually impaired persons of widely used Electronic Travel Aids--the Lindsay Russell Pathsounder, the Mowat Sensor, the Sonicguide, and the C-5 Laser Cane. In addition, a research review provides insight into the issues affecting future use of the devices. (Author/CL)

The paper offers suggestions to improve today's climate for technological aids for the blind, describes some currently available aids and some future possibilities from research, and addresses the question of programed implementation. (Author/SBH)

Four physicaly handicapped children with mental ages between three and three-and-a-half years progressed through a sound training program teaching word generation with and without an auditory model. Treatment procedures progressed from production of single phonemes to multisound levels. Results suggested that some prereading nonvocal physically…

Shows how technological advances have made it possible for the disabled to compete with able bodied professionals in the job market. Cites the use of a metronome in the ear to control stuttering and the use of talking computers for the blind. (Availability: Superintendent of Documents, G.P.O., Washington, DC 20401) (JOW)

The guide presents a non-technical approach to adapting battery-operated and electrical devices for persons with severe handicapping conditions. The material was developed through Project REACH (Reconstructive Equipment Adaptations for Children with Handicaps). Chapter 1 presents rationales for the use of adapted switches and devices, including…

The operating manual for the Digicassette (or Portable Braille Recorder--PBR), an electronic braille reading and writing machine and an audiotape recorder which is compact and easy to carry around, is presented. Following a preface and an introduction are sections which address the following topics: orientation to parts and functions of the…

Ten stages of developing reading machines for blind people are analyzed: handling of text material; optics; electro-optics; pattern recognition; character recognition; storage; speech synthesizers; browsing and place finding; computer indexing; and other sources of input. Cost considerations of the final product are emphasized. (CL)

The bibliography lists books, articles, reports, and other materials on devices that convert print to speech, braille or other tactile output for use by blind persons. The material has been published since 1975. The bibliography is divided into three sections: (1) general works, including background information, history, works treating several…

The article describes four of the most widely accepted and utilized Electronic Travel Aids for blind persons--the Lindsay Russell Pathsounder, the Mowat Sensor, the Sonicguide, and the C-5 Laser Cane. Current uses and applications of the four aids for specific populations of visually impaired persons are discussed. (Author)

ABLEDATA, a computerized information database, provides information on commercially available rehabilitation products in 13 major categories, including personal care, mobility, communication, and prosthetics. Product information includes manufacturer's name, availability, cost, and formal evaluation results. The network is accessible to anyone via…

The reference circular provides information on approximately 50 reading and writing aids intended for physically or visually handicapped individuals. Described are low vision aids, aids for holding a book or turning pages, aids for reading in bed, handwriting aids, typewriters and accessories, braille writing equipment, sound reproducers, and aids…

The author, who is congenitally blind, describes two training programs with a Tactile Vision Substitution System, including a mobile version of the device. (Author)