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)

The paper describes ways in which tools, or aids, can promote the interaction of mentally retarded persons with their environment. A classification of these aids is proposed according to psychological characteristics (such as senses, intelligence, knowledge, decision making, and action) as well as types of interaction (such as comprehension,…

The paper focuses on the development of relatively low-cost microcomputers, which provide a potentially powerful tool for the rehabilitation field. The paper discusses such areas of application as sensory enhancement/translation, manipulator controls, information amplification, special control interfaces to other devices, recreation and…

AT A TECHNICAL SESSION, SIXTY-ONE PARTICIPANTS FROM THE FIELDS OF EDUCATION, INDUSTRY, GOVERNMENT, AND AGENCIES OF THE BLIND DISCUSSED RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF READING MACHINES WHICH PERMIT BLIND PERSONS GREATER INDEPENDENCE IN READING THE PRINTED PAGE. THEY ALSO EXPLORED PROBLEMS INHERENT IN THESE EFFORTS AND PROPOSED…

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…

Faristors, a type of plug-in sensors used in analyzing equipment, are described in this technical report presented at the 12th Conference on Methods in Air Pollution and Industrial Hygiene Studies, University of Southern California, April, 1971. Their principles of operation, interchangeability, and versatility for measuring air pollution at…

Vibratory and manual speech-aid systems are being used to provide direct cues on articulation of phonemes and sequences of phonemes for deaf children. (Author)

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)

To prevent feedback from hearing aids with a large gain (about 65 dB), the use of earmuffs in addition to ear molds is suggested. Young children with hearing losses of 95 dB or greater react more easily to social stimuli when using earmuffs. (JC)

Four blind adults were observed to determine the extent of the natural movement of their centers of gravity in relation to arc height during the two-point touch technique for long cane travel. The Ss learned and practiced a modified technique using their center of gravity as much as possible. (Author)

The paper discusses the need to exercise greater experimental control over instructional variables in the investigation of sensory communication aids for the deaf. An analysis of several recent papers with respect to control of instructional variables, the need for better procedural descriptions in research reports and its relationship to…

Three experiments were undertaken involving three users of multi-electrode cochlear prostheses. The experiments established a scale of stimulus loudness; measured minimum-detectable gaps for sinusoidal stimuli as functions of stimulus level, frequency, and electrode place within the cochlea; and assessed independence of the electrodes using a…

This investigation sought to answer two questions: (1) Do children who receive cochlear implants (CIs) by 3;0 (years; months) improve speech intelligibility significantly during their third year of cochlear implant use? (2) How do the intelligibility scores of young CI recipients compare to those reported in the literature for children who receive…

This guide, one of a series of booklets developed by Project STEPS (Steps Toward Effective Production of Speech), presents guidelines for parents of deaf-blind children regarding the care of eyeglasses. Basic concerns with glasses and contact lenses are noted and parents are advised to perform the following daily tasks: checking the frames,…

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)