The study compared the effectiveness of Irlen filters and traditional optometric intervention with 30 volunteers (ages 9-51). Pre- and posttesting revealed that subjects in both treatment groups were more comfortable after treatment, that only the vision therapy group showed improved visual functioning, and that the Irlen filter group did not show…

Discusses how the visual system operates as an avenue for learning through the intermeshing of its three systems: sensory, motor, and central processing. States that the evaluation of all three systems is vital to the diagnosis of and prescription for poor readers. (MG)

Among constraints to achieving their vision perceived by 10 deans/directors of continuing education in Canada were staff resistance to change, the Pareto principle (80% of the work done by 20% of the staff), little staff understanding of the "university," and staff fear of marginality. (SK)

Studied infant ability to extract depth information from a three-dimensional structure. Found evidence that 8-month-old infants distinguished between lines indicating edges, and lines indicating markings, and that they are able to use line junctions to perceive line drawings as depicting three-dimensional objects in the picture plane. (Author)

Describes a qualitative study that explored 12 older adults' successful adjustment to vision loss. These individuals identified factors (internal and external resources) related to their successful adjustment and offered advice to others facing the challenges of visual impairment. (DB)

Discusses the development and implementation of the low-vision-therapist certification through the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Credentials for professionals in low vision are described, along with required written examination, and the role of the low-vision therapist. (CR)

Explores the nature of images created by Paleolithic artists and autistic artists in regard to drawing techniques and image function. Explains the commonalities based on a discussion of the role of the early vision process and the construction of meaning. Notes the importance of this research for understanding autistic artists. (DSK)

Outlines a basic structure for assessing the needs of individuals with visual impairments and setting up a system for labeling and marking that will meet those needs. Steps for organizing items, encouraging the development of sensory abilities, and selecting visual, tactual, or auditory systems are described. (CR)

Evaluation of the use of repeated readings to increase the reading fluency of four elementary students with low vision found the intervention was effective in improving all four students' reading fluency without adversely affecting error rates or comprehension. Students' improved reading rates also generalized to classroom reading. (DB)

Many students have undiagnosed vision problems despite passing school vision screening. Traditional screening may miss problems with close vision, eye-hand coordination, and smooth eye coordination. The article discusses what teachers should look for, how to proceed if there is a problem, and how to create vision-friendly classrooms. A list of…

This article presents a literature-based overview of emergent literacy and explores the fit between emergent literacy and the learning needs of children who are blind or visually impaired. Components of emergent literacy--reading aloud, concept of a symbol, emergent writing, and literacy environments--are discussed and applied to children with…

This article examines Windows 95, pointing out differences and improvements from Windows 3.1 for persons with low vision. Windows 95 is seen as providing substantially greater accessibility than Windows 3.1, though the graphical user interface may still pose serious problems for some users with low vision. (DB)

Three studies examined children's understanding of looking behavior in revealing another's desired goal. Found that 6-year olds and adults, but not 4-year olds, consistently regarded prolonged looking as a more important cue than glancing or inadvertent touching of the protagonist's goal. Results suggest that development is characterized by…

Thirty-seven students who were blind or had low vision listed as many examples of 10 categories as they could and the prototype order of examples was scored. No differences between blind or low-vision students were found, but categories with which the students had a greater degree of direct sensory experience produced more examples and higher…

Describes Intermittent Central Suppression (ICS), a treatable eye malfunction that can make reading difficult. Reports that some students with ICS are not diagnosed through standard vision acuity tests and are misdiagnosed as learning disabled. Presents a study that found that students who were treated for ICS stayed in school longer than students…