In a needs assessment conducted to measure perceived unmet needs of the blind population of Massachusetts, approximately 1,050 client interviews were conducted, using a sample stratified by age and region. (Author/CL)

The special issue focuses on problems of developing nations in blindness prevention, program development, and rehabilitation of the blind. Included are reports of programs in Indonesia, Jordan, Korea, and India; activities of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind; and descriptions of 24 organizations serving the blind in developing…

The Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978 (P.L. 95-602) should have a great impact on the welfare of deaf blind children. This legislation mandates the removal of communication barriers to handicapped people through better quality and availability of interpreter and reader services. (Author)

The author recounts the transition in Norway from a system with specialized professionals in unique settings to a generically based system dealing with handicapped populations under general programs. Both positive and negative observations are offered, as well as recommendations for combining special services by trained professionals with the…

The magnitude of blindness among children and services available in the Middle East are described. The role for prevention services is discussed and recommendations for future action provided. (Author)

The range in levels of services for visually impaired children in the South Pacific (New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Western Samoa) is discussed from several viewpoints. (Author/DB)

The article claims that (1) categorical services are essential to fully help the blind and visually impaired population maintain what progress has been made; and (2) that the rehabilitation system cannot disregard the fact that the unique needs of the visually impaired require the services of specialized professionals. (Author/DB)

The article presents an overview of the blind and visually impaired population in Switzerland and the services provided to them. In general, Switzerland has been slower than the United States and the Scandinavian countries to develop new programs for this population. (Author/DB)

This study explored multiple aspects of social support and their links to the well-being of working-age adults with visual impairments. Instrumental help from family members was the most frequent type of positive support that was received, and underestimation of the participants' capabilities was the most frequent type of negative support that was…

The article examines the impact of several agencies' services, both domestic and international, for education of blind and visually impaired people in Taiwan. Findings show that although educational services and programs are available, those trained often find appropriate-level jobs scarce. (DB)

A school administrator discusses programs and policies of special education in the Philippines, outlining the Bureau of Elementary Education's role in developing services for blind and visually impaired children. (Author/DB)

The article discusses influences on the development of education for the visually impaired in Nigeria including the contributions of voluntary agencies, the traditional community, and the government. All three influences must be considered in evaluating the development of educational services for this population. (Author/DB)

A survey of the 12 major low vision clinics in Australia is reported, focusing on (1) patient characteristics; and (2) planning, organization, outreach, admission procedures, personnel, and services provided. Results showed that increased services were being provided to rural regions through satellite clinics or private optometric practices.…