Usher syndrome, Type I, requires multiple adaptations throughout the life cycle because each stage of life has tasks and losses associated with deafness and progressive retinitis pigmentosa. This article examines the issues raised at each stage, using clinical vignettes from persons who have this condition and their families. (Author/DB)

Brain-injured (N=24), cultural-familially retarded (N=24), and nonretarded (N=28) adolescents and young adults were compared on a letter priming task requiring recognition of matched pairs. Response time in both retarded groups was considerably slower than in the nonretarded group, and effortful processing was also slower to develop. (JW)

The study examined effectiveness of a team approach for two etiologically distinct groups of children (acquired brain injury, N=7; congenital brain injury, N=10). Results revealed significant pre-post gains for both groups. Significant team therapy effects were evident across four developmental domains and five behavioral processes. Progress was…

An experimental investigation of a single patient with an acquired dyslexia in which there was a significant impairment in his ability to read concrete words compared with abstract words is reported. The Brown and Ure word-lists used in the study are appended. (Author/SJL)

Originally part of a symposium on educational media for the deaf, the author shares his experiences as a multiply handicapped person. Legally blind since he was three years old and profoundly deaf for the past ten years, the author recounts his educational training and frustrations in finding work suitable to his intellect and aspirations. (PHR)

This case study evaluated effects of errorless compliance training on cooperation of sons of two fathers with brain injury and chronic pain. Following treatment, children displayed high levels of compliance to parent requests as well as generalization and maintenance of treatment gains. Errorless compliance training is recommended to foster…

The article questions the loss model used to explain a lack of motivation in visually impaired clients. An alternative model proposes that self-efficacy is the primary factor in adjustment, suggesting that early skill-oriented intervention can prevent loss of competence and foster a sense of personal control essential for successful…

This project examined whether the rehabilitation of reading recognition allowed comprehension of print for 38 low vision adults (ages 37-87) who were former readers. The project developed training strategies for enhancing reading comprehension. The paper concludes that instruction in comprehension has value as part of low vision rehabilitation for…

Psychological variables influencing adjustment to acquired visual loss are examined conceptually and empirically, to clarify their role in skill acquisition and to develop a testable model of adjustment. The Nottingham Adjustment Scale, which measures anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and other characteristics, is presented, along with analysis of…

This study evaluated the effects of perceptual training and psychological counseling on adjustment to vision loss in 49 elderly persons (mean age 70) with low vision. Overall, both interventions improved the participants' visual functioning and beliefs about the loss of vision, and follow-up interviews revealed that these improvements were…

Based upon 15 interviews, the paper discusses specific educational and social problems as perceived by nine brain injured learners (14-24 years old), their teachers, families, and peers. Interview excerpts illustrate executive functions of self-awareness, self-evaluation, and self-monitoring; the effects on families; and student difficulties in…

This digest uses a question-and-answer format to summarize issues in the use of cochlear implants (an array of electrodes surgically implanted into the cochlea) with deaf or hard-of-hearing children. It describes the implants and summarizes the research on the effectiveness of the devices, which indicates that the devices are most effective in…

The Community Cadre Network in Virginia is a local support network for helping individuals with spinal cord injuries make the transition from an institutional setting to home and community life. Cadre members are people who have been through the experience of traumatic injury, rehabilitation, and return home. (SEW)

A project was developed which successfully taught individuals with visual impairments to read commercial large-print books, with either their own reading spectacles or with lower levels of magnification than usually prescribed. Over the course of the project, print sizes were systematically reduced and healthy reading habits were re-taught. (JDD)