This report describes Project MAVIS (Materials Adaptations for Visually Impaired Students in the Social Studies), a three year project of the Social Science Education Consortium in Boulder, Colorado. The purpose of the project was to adapt social studies curriculum materials for use by visually handicapped students in grades K-6 in both integrated…

Vision is so important to scholastic success that almost all states require by law some kind of vision testing of school children. The ideal visual screening program would involve the kind of test or tests a classroom teacher could administer and would be fast, thorough, and accurate. However, present commercial vision screening batteries fail to…

One of a series on the visual information transfer problems of the partially sighted, the report contains a detailed description of the double X-Y platform, a mechanical device used in conjunction with a closed circuit television system to permit users to read printed or handwritten materials and to take notes on or copy from the material. Also…

While a nationwide study of vision problems in children has not been conducted in over 30 years, the most recent NHIS (National Health Interview Survey) study shows vision problems are common in children, with an estimated 13.5 million children ages 0-17 affected. As of 2002, 30 states plus the District of Columbia "required" vision…

This article reviews literature on the issue of whether it is preferable to teach students literacy skills using large print or using standard print with optical devices. Findings indicate reading standard print with optical devices is as effective a literacy medium as large print and, perhaps, a more effective one. (Contains references.) (CR)

This study assesses the validity of an interview questionnaire designed to predict performance by low-vision adults (N=41) on tasks of finding, detecting, scanning, and tracking. Subjects' ratings of difficulty with these tasks were compared to ratings of trained professionals. Results indicate self-report may be of some value in predicting…

The article describes the development of a visual assessment and training program designed to predict initial and final low-vision mobility performance. The program's tasks were determined to be better predictors of visual performance than existing clinical measures, and task learning could be transferred to real-life mobility situations.…

Initial reading speeds across grades show points at which children with low vision are at risk of developing low literacy skills. Outcome group measures showed that 185 children (grades preK-12) who received optical devices increased their silent reading speeds and comprehension rates. Findings indicate optical devices assist in deciphering text.…

The article describes the experiences a researcher had with children who said they saw colored auras around people and things. (CD)

Differences in visual-ocular function, particularly optokinetic nystagmus (OKN), were compared with 40 learning disabled and 40 normal children (8-12 years-old). No significant differences were found between groups on the variables tested (refixation saccades, smooth ocular pursuit, spontaneous nystagmus, gaze nystagmus, and OKN). (Author/DB)

Disfunctions are drawn between visual perception and visual function, and four optometrists respond with further analysis of the visual perception-visual function controversy and its implications for children with learning problems. (CL)

A series of classroom experiences designed to experiment with the visual sense is described. Information is presented on materials and directions for activities exploring such aspects as stereo vision and dissection of animal eyes. (CL)

Methods and optics of perceiving color in a black-and-white grating are described. A sample grating which produces the effect is included. (JN)

Results indicated that handling, in addition to seeing an object, facilitates memory only because it maintains visual attention. (MH)