MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'British Journal of Visual Impairment' source. Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:55:09 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3147644&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F1%2F68%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3147644 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:33:55 +0100 3147644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3147643&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F57%3Frss%3D1 This qualitative study reports on the perceptions of a regular classroom teacher and an itinerant teacher about the challenges they faced in including a student with vision impairment in regular school in New South Wales, Australia. Some of the common strategies employed by both these teachers to address these challenges are discussed. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3147643 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:33:55 +0100 3147643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3147642&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F47%3Frss%3D1 The aims of the study were to investigate self-esteem levels amongst a sample group of 60 children with Visual Impairment (VI). The group was made up of equal numbers of boys and girls from primary and secondary schools. Each child’s self-esteem was measured using the BG STEEM Questionnaire (Maines and Robinson, 1993). The results showed that overall 70 per cent of the children scored within the ‘normal’ or ‘high’ levels of self-esteem. Overall scores in self-esteem were similar at both primary and secondary level. Girls displayed higher levels of self-esteem than boys at both primary and secondary level, although this difference was more pronounced at secondary level. The results also suggested that the degree of visual impairment may be a factor in determini... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3147642 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:33:55 +0100 3147642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3147641&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F34%3Frss%3D1 Access to information about services and support is an important part of the rehabilitation process for patients diagnosed with sight loss. Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH) has worked in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Henshaws Society for Blind People to create an information pack aimed at patients attending the Low Vision clinic, named ‘See for Yourself: An Information Pack for People with Sight Loss’. To assess its impact, satisfaction questionnaires were sent to 182 patients receiving the pack, and the results analysed. Overall, 94.4 per cent of respondents rated the pack ‘very’ or ‘quite’ useful, with 90.5 per cent of respondents feeling the pack contained the right amount of information. Very positive co... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3147641 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:33:55 +0100 3147641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3147640&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F19%3Frss%3D1 Sixty-three visually impaired pupils from 40 different schools in Israel and their form teachers filled in questionnaires assessing quality of life. In addition, a total of 200 teachers were asked to fill in questionnaires on school climate and attitudes towards inclusion. Findings indicated that positive climate and positive attitudes correlated with high compatibility between pupils’ and teachers’ reports. Pupils attending schools characterized by a positive school environment (climate and attitudes) reported that they were not stigmatized by others. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3147640 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:33:55 +0100 3147640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3147639&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F7%3Frss%3D1 Experienced teachers have long asserted that children blind from retinoblastoma (Rb), a rare cancer of the eye, are of above average intelligence. To test this hypothesis, standardized verbal intelligence tests were administered to a sample of 85 children and adults, all diagnosed with the early infancy form of this condition. For 42 of the Rb participants, a control group was assembled of other blind individuals, each matched one-to-one on age, age of onset of the blindness, duration of the condition, sex, and educational history/background. The IQ scores of 200 visually impaired children are also presented for general comparison purposes in view of a common belief that verbal ability may be enhanced when sight is impaired. The mean verbal IQ of the 85 Rb participants was significantly ab... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3147639 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:33:55 +0100 3147639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3147638&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3147638 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:33:55 +0100 3147638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2718211&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F27%2F3%2F263%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2718211 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2718211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2718210&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F252%3Frss%3D1 This study explores the musical interests and talents of children and young people who are blind or partially sighted as a result of retinopathy of prematurity (RoP). The results from questionnaires completed by 37 parents were analysed using methods drawn from Ockelford et al.’s (2006) study of the musical interests and abilities of children with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD). The findings suggest that music plays a significant part in the lives of children with RoP and these children may display above typical music ability. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2718210 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2718210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2718209&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F239%3Frss%3D1 The report provides an insight into the views, experiences and needs of blind and partially sighted people in Scotland, helping to inform Scottish policy. Direct interviews with 165 blind and partially sighted people in Scotland were undertaken by telephone. The interviews took place as part of a UK-wide data collection exercise in 2006 (Douglas et al., 2006). A range of findings were produced: 52 per cent of the population lived alone; 10 per cent of the population did not know the name of their eye condition; only 25 per cent of the working-age population were in employment; 70 per cent of the population reported having long-term health problems in addition to their visual impairment; and 40 per cent of the population said they would like to leave home more often. The report highlights f... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2718209 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2718209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2718208&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F221%3Frss%3D1 The Tactual Profile assesses tactual functioning of children with severe visual impairments between 0 and 16 years of age. The Tactual Profile consists of 430 items, measuring tactile skills required for performing everyday tasks at home and in school. Items are graded according to age level and divided into three domains: tactual sensory, tactual motor and tactual perceptual. The development of the instrument is described and the psychometric properties that were studied reported. Most items had an acceptable difficulty level, and test—retest reliability proved to be good. The analyses for the construct validity showed moderately high correlations between the Tactual Profile and intelligence tests. These correlations were higher for the haptic performance subtests than for the verba... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2718208 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2718208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2718207&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F204%3Frss%3D1 The article describes assessment, planning and training for people with multiple disabilities and visual impairment (MDVI). The ImPAct MDVI project, an EU Comenius programme, addressed concerns expressed by teachers of children and young people with MDVI as to how they are expected to integrate the diverse curriculum elements and particular skills they have been taught into a meaningful educational process. The aim of the project was to develop a holistic teaching approach, based on activities, participation and involvement in real life situations, aiming at involving people with MDVI in their social and physical context. This was achieved by applying a 5-step working model (Tellevik and Elmerskog, 2001), which sought to support the development of assessment and planning intervention strat... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2718207 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2718207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2718206&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F183%3Frss%3D1 The general purpose of the present study was to test the effectiveness of various psycho-acoustic manipulations for the understanding of specific information (typographic attributes such as bold and italic) which was included in texts by individuals with and without blindness. Thirty blind and thirty sighted students participated and were asked to distinguish a number of controlled conditions of auditory components, as well as to express their preferences and opinions on the prosody of the selected acoustic features (pitch, volume and speed of the synthetic speech). Findings indicated that there were significant interactions between groups and experimental conditions across variables. The outcomes of the present study provided a rough assessment of the auditory means that may be conducive ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2718206 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2718206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2718205&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F27%2F3%2F179%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2718205 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2718205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2335764&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F27%2F2%2F173%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2335764 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2335764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2335763&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F159%3Frss%3D1 Using the five-stage model of skill acquisition originally proposed by Dreyfus and Dreyfus (1986), this study investigates the professional development of Rehabilitation Workers (RWs) in the UK through analysis of their practice in training people with a vision impairment in the area of orientation and mobility. From interviews with RWs a clearer picture has emerged of the lack of professional development opportunities and the access to the knowledge of others required to facilitate progression from Novice to Expert in this specialized profession. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2335763 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2335763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2335762&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F147%3Frss%3D1 This article reports on a pilot study conducted with sighted and visually impaired participants, which sought to determine how effective a vibro-tactile interface would be in eliciting a physical response from a human user, if the user's conscious attention were diverted by a complex audio/verbal task. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2335762 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2335762 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2335761&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F129%3Frss%3D1 This article describes longitudinally the psychosocial adjustment to visual impairment of patients with age related macular degeneration (AMD). As part of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT), the present study design consisted of the use of prospective qualitative diaries completed over 12 months by patients with AMD who were newly referred to a low vision clinic. Out of the patients recruited (n = 226), the completion rate of a full set of four diaries (n = 37) and one three-month diary (n = 194) was very good. Vision related to daily life in patients with AMD appears to decline over 12 months with limited psychosocial adjustment to visual loss. Seven themes were generated from the patients' accounts of their experiences, as recorded in the diaries: safety, loss of independence, is... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2335761 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2335761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2335760&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F111%3Frss%3D1 This article reports the results of a research project involving 100 people with visual impairment. The participants were interviewed and asked to fill in a questionnaire to gather data on use of different reading media and the training in use of reading media, as well as age, gender, age of onset of visual impairment, education, and place of residence. We also explored participant perceived advantages and disadvantages of the various reading media, and the perceived suitability of each reading medium for daily, educational, and professional tasks. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2335760 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2335760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2335759&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F2%2F97%3Frss%3D1 This article describes the findings of a small study of the ways in which social care practitioners describe their assessment practice with visually impaired older people in England. The study interviewed 14 social care staff in three local authorities that had different organizational arrangements for assessments. Using a vignette method, the study explored staff's definitions of social care needs. Possible differences between the practice of specialists in visual impairment and those who were not working or trained specifically in the area of visual impairment are explored, as is the context of policy assessments for social care services. The potential impact of differences and context on equity is discussed. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2335759 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2335759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2335758&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F27%2F2%2F91%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2335758 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2335758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2031358&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F27%2F1%2F86%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2031358 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2031358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2031357&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F27%2F1%2F85%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2031357 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2031357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2031356&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F75%3Frss%3D1 Following recent education policy and curriculum changes in England, the notion of inclusion of children with special educational needs in physical education has increasingly become a topic of research interest and concern. It was the aim of this study to explore personal experiences and perspectives of inclusion in physical education. To this end this study used a series of interviews and observations with a visually impaired (blind) pupil, a physical education teacher and a learning support assistant at a school for children with moderate learning difficulties. The findings highlighted four significant areas of impact: the role of teacher training and development; the role of learning support assistants; resources; and the limitations of the National Curriculum in Physical Education as a... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2031356 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2031356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2031355&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F65%3Frss%3D1 This pilot study on wayfinding for people with visual impairments concerns the viability of the Individual Public Vehicle (IPV). The results showed that the participants positively evaluated this new wayfinding aid because it requires little attention and little physical effort, and gives satisfaction. Moreover, as far as identifying the location of the IPV is concerned, an auditory message activated by users is judged less stressful. The IPV seems to be adapted to safe travel. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2031355 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2031355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2031354&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F49%3Frss%3D1 Visual processes undoubtedly play an important role in print reading as well as in spelling. In the present study we intend to compare the spelling performance of visually impaired individuals (both individuals who are blind and individuals with low vision) with that of their fully sighted peers. An analysis of errors (misspelled words and spelling mistakes) was conducted. The influence of certain factors — such as gender, age, educational level and the most common medium of reading — over spelling performance was also assessed. Our results suggest that the severity of the visual disability appears to have a negative effect on the spelling performance of visually impaired adults, although the number of errors declines as the subject's level of education increases. Blind or seve... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2031354 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2031354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2031353&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F25%3Frss%3D1 This questionnaire-based study of Japanese massage practitioners with visual impairment (n = 155, 126 males, 29 females, mean age = 41 years) found that measures of self-repression, helplessness and `daily hassles' were positively correlated to measures of trait anxiety. Also, trait anxiety was negatively associated with measures of self-esteem and perceived emotional support. Participants with moderate visual impairment (able to read print) showed significantly higher trait anxiety than those with severe visual impairment (those who read braille). Moreover, compared to sighted people in other medical professions, the participants in this study demonstrated higher levels of self-repression. Regarding onset of impairment, people with onset in adolescence had significantly higher self-repres... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2031353 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2031353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2031352&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F1%2F9%3Frss%3D1 This report assessed the impact of visual impairment in a subset of the African-origin participants of the population-based Barbados Eye Studies, using the US National Eye Institute's 25-item Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). Visual impairment was associated with significantly (P ≤ 0.01) lower VFQ scores in multidimensional aspects of vision-related quality of life (QOL), including vision-related activities and psychosocial functioning. Adjusted mean composite scores were 12 points (95% confidence interval: 9.5, 14.5) and 31 points (26.7, 34.6) lower for low vision and blindness, respectively, compared with no impairment, and 13 points (7.7, 17.6) lower for visual impairment not correctable, compared with correctable with refraction. In this population with high rates of vi... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2031352 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2031352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2031351&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F27%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2031351 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2031351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1695011&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F3%2F279%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1695011 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1695011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1695010&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F3%2F269%3Frss%3D1 This report seeks to demonstrate how the telling of stories both within a counselling and research setting enables people to reconnect with strengths and abilities that `enable' rather than `disable' and how, by resisting disabling practices and medical models of understanding, people can find new ways of identifying themselves outside the labels of `visually impaired' and `blind'. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1695010 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1695010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1695009&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F3%2F255%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this study was to examine the different ways in which visually impaired and deaf-blind people can be motivated to perform regular physical exercises through the use of a physical training programme. The programme was designed for visually impaired and deaf-blind people with the aim of reducing their most common physical problems: those of balance, posture, coordination, tense neck and shoulder muscles, and loss of spinal rotation and reciprocal arm swing. Twenty-seven participants (23 visually impaired, 4 deaf-blind; mean age 54 years, range 31 to 75) participated in a 5—6 week physical training programme (three 60-minute sessions per week) in four groups. Twenty-four participants completed the programme, 12 of whom had a `physically active' lifestyle and 12 a `sedentary' ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1695009 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1695009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1695008&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F3%2F239%3Frss%3D1 This article reports findings from one aspect of a large scale research project funded by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, to investigate the mobility, independence and life skills education available to children and young people with a visual impairment between 0 and 19 years of age in Northern Ireland (NI). Here the focus is on the nature of the support provided by rehabilitation workers for this age group. A mixed method approach (questionnaire survey, focus group and one-to-one interviews) was utilized to triangulate the findings. Whereas the results show that rehabilitation workers (RWs) in NI support some 147 children and young people across NI, most of this support is aimed at parents and takes the form of advi... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1695008 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1695008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1695007&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F3%2F223%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this research was to examine the role of expertise (as a result of previous training) in the use of raised line materials, and of visual experience by blind adults (congenitally, early and late blind), by means of tasks involving size estimation of common objects and length estimation. Results showed that, depending on the size of the objects, most participants were more successful in size estimations of common objects than in length estimations. They also showed an effect of visual experience in common object size estimation and an effect of expertise in length estimation. The results on length estimation suggested that, in this type of task, the advantage provided by prior expertise in raised line materials could surpass the one generally brought by the duration of visual ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1695007 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1695007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1695006&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F3%2F219%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1695006 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1695006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375979&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F202%3Frss%3D1 This article draws upon data from a large scale project called 'Network 1000'. Network 1000 seeks to survey the changing needs and opinions of visually impaired adults. Data have been collected from 1007 visually impaired people across Great Britain. This analysis focuses upon a sub-sample of approximately 250 adults aged between 18 and 42 years. In all cases, the onset of these participants' visual impairment was during childhood (i.e. under 17 years of age). The analysis presents data in relation to their education and employment, and reflects upon the factors that seem to be associated with both. It appears that earlier onset of visual impairment is associated with higher levels of educational achievement. There was no ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375979 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1375979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375978&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F190%3Frss%3D1 This article gives an overview of a three-year qualitative study following the transition pathways of one blind and four partially sighted young people in Wales, beginning with the transition from compulsory to post-compulsory education at the age of 16. The study highlighted the inequity in provision for young people who remain in school sixth forms compared to those who enter a mainstream college of further education. It emphasized the key role played by the qualified teacher of the visually impaired during and after transition. Weaknesses in the process model of post-16 transition of young people with special educational needs outlined in the statutory guidance were also identified. Finally, the study found considerable ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375978 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1375978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375977&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F170%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study is to pilot a new notification system for children with visual impairment (VI) and describe the initial summary findings. A system of notification of children in Scotland with VI was established. Information concerning this system was distributed to professionals working with visually impaired children to forward to parents. Parents, teachers and health professionals were all encouraged to notify children with VI. 975 families with children with (VI) were notified and received information and support from Visual Impairment Scotland (VIS). For this review, the data from 850 parents were included in the analysis. The provision of a range of support services for parents and children with VI has led to ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375977 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1375977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375976&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F159%3Frss%3D1 The performance of children (and sometimes adults) with visual impairments (VI) on a range of tasks that reflect learning, memory and mental imagery is considered in this article. Sometimes the evidence suggests that there are impairments in performance in comparison with typically developing children with vision, and sometimes some advantages emerge. The author's aim is to describe some of her own and others' findings and explore what they tell us about the cognitive characteristics of such children, so that progress with practical interventions can be advanced through understanding. The article starts by focusing on social-cognitive development and in particular considers the potential benefits of language in that de... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375976 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1375976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375975&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F147-a%3Frss%3D1 To meet the socio-emotional needs of children with vision impairment, it is important that professionals involved have a good understanding of these needs and are able to interpret children's behaviours. Professionals also need to create contexts that promote social inclusion alongside academic achievement. This is a continuous challenge for professionals but it is crucial both for children's development and for ensuring effective inclusive practices. In this article, research and practice are brought together to explore the needs of children with vision impairment in the area of socio-emotional development and inclusion, and to explore ways of making it happen. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375975 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1375975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375974&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F147%3Frss%3D1 To meet the socio-emotional needs of children with vision impairment, it is important that professionals involved have a good understanding of these needs and are able to interpret children's behaviours. Professionals also need to create contexts that promote social inclusion alongside academic achievement. This is a continuous challenge for professionals but it is crucial both for children's development and for ensuring effective inclusive practices. In this article, research and practice are brought together to explore the needs of children with vision impairment in the area of socio-emotional development and inclusion, and to explore ways of making it happen. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375974 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1375974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375973&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F135%3Frss%3D1 This article explores how visual impairment might impact on early social and emotional development including self-awareness and communication with others. Some children show a 'developmental setback' and other worrying developmental trajectories in the early years, including autistic related behaviours and autistic spectrum disorders. Research is beginning to reveal the risk factors and most vulnerable processes in the early years, including in social communication, joint attention and joint referencing. The new Developmental Journal for Visually Impaired Babies and Children draws on the research to date and provides a new framework for early intervention and habilitation. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375973 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1375973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375972&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F2%2F128%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375972 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1375972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375971&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F2%2F119%3Frss%3D1 'Information' is proposed as an over-arching concept to guide researchers as they seek to investigate the educational, psychological, social and other challenges posed by blindness. Examples from published research reports and from commonly observed behavioural phenomena at various stages of the individual's development are invoked to support the case that all delays and barriers experienced by blind people have as their causation the lack, the inadequacy or the inaccessibility of information. The notion of information is rarely explicitly referred to in research reports and is scarcely ever commented upon by carers and professional practitioners, but the argument to be made here is that its existence is implicit. If t... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375971 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1375971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1375970&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F2%2F115%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1375970 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1375970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085031&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F1%2F111%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085031 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1085031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085030&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F1%2F109%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085030 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1085030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085029&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F99%3Frss%3D1 This article presents information from an oral history research project on the lives of six senior congenitally blind Australian women, each of whom has contributed in various important ways to contemporary Australian society. The article provides a discussion of: (a) ways in which the women perceive themselves, their family and community connections throughout their life spans; and (b) the important contributions they have made during their lives to date. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085029 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1085029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085028&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F82%3Frss%3D1 This article analyzes a corpus of 1,600 naturally occurring brailling errors made by one expert braillist to discover patterns of error and accuracy. It was found that, for this braillist, more errors were made with more frequently-occurring characters, the right (dominant) hand was more accurate than the left and that individual fingers contributed in different ways to error patterns. For this braillist, additions and deletions of dots tended to result in more symmetrical patterns of dots within cells. As more data are gathered from a wider range of subjects, it might be possible to determine what kinds of error and accuracy patterns are idiosyncratic to particular braillists and which are generally predictable given the cognitive and motor tasks inherent in brailling. (Source: British Jo... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085028 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1085028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085027&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F63%3Frss%3D1 This article reports on an experiment conducted in a complex underground station with 33 participants (13 blind and 20 partially sighted) who used an infrared verbal guidance system in combination with a tactile guidance surface system and 32 participants (14 blind and 18 partially sighted) who used an infrared verbal guidance system alone. Performance of the participants was assessed by the time taken to complete the trip and the number of pauses they made. Feedback from the participants was also recorded. The results showed that the use of the two guidance devices together led to a decrease in the time needed to complete the trip and reduced the difficulties of using the verbal guidance system. The participants reported their satisfaction when using the two devices and highlighted the ne... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085027 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1085027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085026&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F50%3Frss%3D1 This article presents research investigating the match of children's needs against provision in the context of the increasing use of non-VI designated and non-specialist forms of provision. The data suggest that despite a lack of access to training, either through award bearing or long courses, teachers' confidence and feelings of competence may be quite high (although not as high as for other disability areas). Teachers' levels of confidence in relation to different aspects of the teaching task are also consistent with limited knowledge of the implications of a visual impairment on providing children with appropriate learning opportunities. Given current legislation within the UK with respect to Disability Discrimination it may be timely for local authorities to consider more strategicall... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085026 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1085026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085025&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F24%3Frss%3D1 CHARGE syndrome is characterized by multiple physical abnormalities, and impaired vision and hearing. In this pilot study, communication in the early stage of language development in three one- to eight-year-old children with CHARGE syndrome was explored using video recorded free-play interaction sessions and a parental questionnaire. The children mainly used gestures, but also vocalization and some signs. According to methods based on the Tait Video Analysis (2003) and the Communicative Intention Inventory (Coggins and Carpenter, 1981), the children used shared attention with their mothers most of the time, with initiations comprising almost half of all their communicative expressions. Intentional communication covered 15 to 18 per cent of the communicative acts. Suggestions for how indiv... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085025 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1085025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085024&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F26%2F1%2F7%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion: Special care pathways are required in advanced glaucoma taking into account co-existent morbidity, disease education and compliance. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085024 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1085024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085023&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F26%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085023 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1085023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829211&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F25%2F3%2F285%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829211 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829210&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F25%2F3%2F281%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829210 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829209&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F3%2F267%3Frss%3D1 This article recommends that children with visual impairment be explicitly taught about humour in order to facilitate more active inclusion in the pleasurable pursuits of their social cohort. Research on stages of humour development in children is discussed, and those characteristics and processes that assist the learning process in children with visual impairment are highlighted. Techniques for the six major aspects of instruction in humour are described, along with strategies for addressing challenges faced by children with visual impairment in their efforts to appreciate humour. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829209 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829208&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F3%2F255%3Frss%3D1 Many of the current GPS (Global Positioning Systems) navigation aids use an audio method to deliver navigation information to the user. For the visually impaired person this method can be problematic. The visually impaired pedestrian relies heavily on information contained within the ambient sound environment; for location and orientation information, navigation information and, importantly, safety information. In this article we present the design of an innovative tactile interface and verification of results obtained through experimental trials. This pilot study compared the efficiency of the tactile interface to an audio method of delivering simple navigational information. The findings indicate that the tactile interface could be used successfully by blind and sighted pedestrians and m... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829208 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829207&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F3%2F249%3Frss%3D1 This study examines emotional intelligence and goal setting in enhancing motivation to work among visually impaired students. The study employed a pre- and post-test experimental group design (N = 32) in which participants completed the Work Value Inventory. The study was carried out over a period of six weeks. The results obtained indicated that there was significant difference in the level of motivation of those who had experienced emotional intelligence and goal setting interventions (F = 7.98; df = 1,28; p < 0.05). Potential further research is discussed. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829207 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829206&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F3%2F233%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness and preference of the two different types of self-talk (instructional and motivational) on penalty execution skill in goalball and gain insight on the athletes' perceptions concerning self-talk use and its influence on their performance. The sample consisted of six female athletes, aged 26—40 years old (mean = 33 years), all members of the national goalball team representing Greece in the Paralympic Games in Athens 2004. In each experimental procedure, five athletes were the subjects of an instructional and a motivational self-talk test while executing 20 penalties, with a rest period following the first 10 penalties. One athlete was stable defending the other athletes' shooting and she was not involved in any test during eac... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829206 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829205&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F3%2F217%3Frss%3D1 Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a retinal dege nerative disease causing progressive blindness. Most research on RP is biomedical, and mostly from an observer perspective, therefore poorly reflecting the lived experience of having RP. Accordingly, the researcher conducted a retrospective qualitative self-study, to analyse reflections on his own experience of diagnosis and receiving a mobility cane, as contained in emails sent to friends and colleagues. This analysis yielded a number of interesting themes significant to the RP experience, namely diagnosis, impact and dealing with RP. Reference is made to literature encouraging ophthalmologists to be actively involved in the facilitation of adjustment to loss of vision. Other significant issues relevant to visual impairment, such as the stigma a... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829205 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829204&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F3%2F199%3Frss%3D1 This article considers two key studies that have made it possible to produce estimates of the size of the older visually impaired population in the UK. It concludes that there are between about 1.6m and 2.2m people aged 65 years and over in the UK with visual acuity ranging from mild to serious levels of visual impairment. About half of visually impaired older people fall into the category of mild vision impairment (6/12 — 6/18). The other half has a moderate to severe visual impairment (VA < 6/18). Women aged 65 years and over with moderate or severe visual impairment outnumber visually impaired men by nearly three to one. Of those aged 75 years and over with moderate to severe visual impairment, about half of them have cataracts or refractive error, many of whom could have treat... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829204 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=829203&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F25%2F3%2F195%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=829203 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 829203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=604365&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F25%2F2%2F191%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=604365 Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 604365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=604364&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F178%3Frss%3D1 This article reports on a workshop held in London UK in November 2006 to discuss future research priorities in the visual impairment sector in the UK. The workshop was held under the auspices of the VISION 2020 UK Social Research Group, a collaborative group of charitable partners who commission social research in the sector. The broad purpose of the workshop was to bring people from the field of visual impairment together to discuss why research is needed and, if it is agreed that it is needed, what kind of research should be done. The report presents a summary of the presentations and discussions from that day, including a list of the identified research themes and questions that were generated. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=604364 Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 604364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=604363&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F169%3Frss%3D1 Educational accommodations for students with vision impairments are alterations in the way that an assessment or a test is administered. These alterations are not made to give the student an advantage, but to level the playing field with sighted peers. The authors provide for the educational practitioner a taxonomy of these types of accommodation as well as identifying the several principles underlying accommodation policies that are intended to maximize the participation of students with vision impairments. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=604363 Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 604363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=604362&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F155%3Frss%3D1 This qualitative study investigates the views of clients with low vision and vision rehabilitation professionals on the involvement of family and friends in group-based rehabilitation programs. Both groups outlined advantages and disadvantages to involving significant others, and it is essential that clients are given the choice. Future work is needed to examine the uptake, process and outcomes of rehabilitation programs in which clients are able to invite family and friends. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=604362 Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 604362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=604361&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F144%3Frss%3D1 This article investigates the self-esteem of a small group of students with albinism. Data were collected using a widely recognized psychological instrument: the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventories (SEI). The findings indicated that the self-esteem of the participants in this study was generally high. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=604361 Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 604361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=604360&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F133%3Frss%3D1 The aims of this study were two-fold: firstly, to establish a method of applying consistent letter spacing to documents using MS Word, and secondly, to investigate the effect of increased letter spacing on the reading speeds of readers with low vision. Tests on 14 readers with low vision showed that increased letter spacing benefited their reading speed and also reduced the critical print size of the majority of subjects tested. These findings could have a significant impact on the format of modified large print material used by low-vision readers in mainstream schools and lead to more inclusive practise in the classroom. Additionally, a simple to follow table has been produced to quantify the effect of increased letter spacin... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=604360 Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 604360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=604359&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F120%3Frss%3D1 This article reports on a national survey and follow-up interviews with vision-support teachers. The study related to pupils in mainstream schools who are identified as able to read large print but also need to learn braille to increase access to the curriculum. The aim of the survey was to elicit information about the diversity of the group and the major issues that vision-support teachers identified as impacting on these children. Factors that enhance success are identified and discussed with reference to mainstream settings. Areas requiring further research are also identified. A case study within a local school describing the context of a child learning braille and print together was also undertaken as part of the research but is not covered in this article. (Source: British Journal of... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=604359 Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 604359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=604358&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F2%2F103%3Frss%3D1 This article presents a survey of the demographical, educational and visual functional characteristics of children attending a specialist paediatric low-vision assessment clinic at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. Comprehensive data were collected retrospectively from children attending the paediatric lowvision clinic between January 2003 and August 2004 (n = 64). Data collected included clinical and demographic details and educational status. Use was made of a pre-clinic questionnaire to ascertain information regarding schooling and level of support, and child, parental or specialist teacher concerns. Visual functions assessed included distance logMAR acuity, near acuity, contrast sensitivity, colour vision and when feasible, visual fields. Following refraction, children were evaluated for ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=604358 Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 604358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=604357&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F25%2F2%2F99%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=604357 Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 604357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=321022&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F86%3Frss%3D1 Dotted Moon is a useful and important resource to complement the range of options available to those teaching and learning Moon. Observation of a variety of Moon readers (including those at early stages of literacy as well as more advanced readers) showed that all participants were able to decode dotted Moon characters and engage in educational activities using dotted Moon at their developmental level and no conclusive evidence was found of any of the participants finding the dotted Moon harder (or easier) to decode than lined Moon. While professionals involved in the teaching of Moon expressed some concern about the potential of dotted Moon, in particular about the quality of some of the characters, there was little evidence to support this from observations made of Moon readers. The tech... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=321022 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0100 321022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=321021&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F68%3Frss%3D1 Blind and partially sighted people’s perceptions of inclusion by family and friends are examined in a major survey of over 900 adults with low vision in the UK. Findings demonstrate a complex picture, reporting high levels of severe lack of social support in comparison to the general population especially among men, and lack of social support expressed extensively by those who were rarely or never visited by family or neighbours. Levels of reported social support were not related to the degree of severity of sight loss or age; and economically inactive respondents of working age reported lower levels of social support than those who were working. Correlation between respondents’ having hobbies and going sho... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=321021 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0100 321021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=321020&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F51%3Frss%3D1 This article arises from research, funded by the Housing Corporation and Thomas Pocklington Trust, which investigated the housing and support needs and priorities of visually impaired people of working age -a population that has received little public policy attention. It reports on an in-depth study of the circumstances and aspirations of 121 people living in London, which revealed a need for increased opportunities to access information, personal support, employment and housing. The study also discovered strategies that this sample believed would address such need, including better professional collaboration and training, consultation and partnership, and facilitative housing provision. (Source: British Journal of Visual Imp... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=321020 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0100 321020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=321019&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F32%3Frss%3D1 This article describes how the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), 2001, was used as a framework for the design of the interview schedule used in the Network 1000 project. It is argued that the ICF offers a vocabulary to enable visually impaired participants to describe their lives in terms of participation and potential barriers to social inclusion. The article presents interview data from 960 visually impaired people who were surveyed about their use of computers (amongst other things). Results show that computer use is clearly linked with age, with older visually impaired people far less likely to use computers. It is argued that, while technol... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=321019 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0100 321019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=321018&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F21%3Frss%3D1 Research and development in the field of sight loss and provision for visual impairment among black and minority ethnic groups in Britain is poorly developed. There are real and inexcusable inequalities in access to services for people from minority ethnic communities, and a distinct lack of knowledge about the issues involved among both sight-loss service-providing bodies who are relatively uninformed about ethnic and cultural diversity, and among black and minority ethnic communities in respect of sight loss and provision to meet the needs of visually impaired people. The article, based on systematic review of published and ‘grey’ literature and action research, describes some key issues which might be ta... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=321018 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0100 321018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=321017&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F25%2F1%2F5%3Frss%3D1 In 1999 we began research, funded by the ‘Thomas Pocklington Trust’, to explore the opinions of visually impaired people on visual impairment research. We found people wanted greater inclusion of visually impaired people in such research and participatory, empowering and emancipatory research was a priority for them. We also found, through reviewing the academic literature, that there was a dearth of such work in the field. In this article we revisit the topic to review research that has or has not been conducted since our first study to see if there has been a change in the use of emancipatory methods in the field. We have contextualized our review in a discussion on the field of disability studies and the ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=321017 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0100 321017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=321016&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F25%2F1%2F2%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=321016 Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0100 321016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=321023&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F108%3Frss%3D1 Two groups of sighted pre-school children were taught to name six braille letters: one group received phoneme instruction and the other grapheme instruction. Ten boys and ten girls (average age 4:5 years) participated. There was a statistically significant advantage for the phoneme group (Experiment 1). In a repeatedmeasures design, 16 sighted primary-school children (8 boys and 8 girls), with an average age of 10:9 years, were first taught to name 10 braille letters as phonemes, and another 10 braille letters as graphemes (Experiment 2). Then the same children were taught to name 10 braille words as onset-rime and another 10 braille words as whole words (Experiment 3). There was a statistically significant advantage for both ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=321023 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 321023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=148206&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F3%2F151%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=148206 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 148206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=148205&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F3%2F150%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=148205 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 148205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=148204&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F145%3Frss%3D1 For successful communication to exist between a caregiver and infant, the caregiver must feel confident about her/his ability to parent and also have specific and accurate knowledge about the behaviours required for optimal care-giving; lack of this knowledge may lead to feelings of uncertainty and less than optimal communication. Studies indicate that the highest levels of caregiver distress were experienced by caregivers who had low feelings of self-efficacy and infants with functional limitations. Many caregivers of blind infants have high levels of distress and low selfefficacy due to lack of information, resources, and support. Research indicates that a majority of care givers of atypically developing infants are ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=148204 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 148204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=148203&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F141%3Frss%3D1 In acknowledging and reflecting upon the infrastructure barriers faced by blind and partially sighted travellers at UK train stations, this article focuses on the unique interplay between infrastructure and experience, and how the opportunities and limitations that arise from potential barriers influence the overall experience of travel. Recommendations are made for new research at a critically important time in UK rail policy, and the importance of representing the real experiences of sight-impaired travellers in both policy and practice, with a view to providing accessible rail stations for all, is stressed. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=148203 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 148203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=148202&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F135%3Frss%3D1 Potentially, computers can balance some of the effects of visual impairment and provide equality of opportunity (Gerber, 2003). Students' individual needs entail that they and their teachers have access to a range of assistive technologies that may vary according to the task as well as to the learner. A dual output graphics card with a twin monitor set-up was initially used to broaden the assistive technology provision in the School of Applied Sciences, Centre of Excellence in Learning and Teaching (University of Wolverhampton). This was then trialled at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford and found to be a relatively inexpensive alternative to other magnification systems, relatively straightforward to... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=148202 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 148202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=148201&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F128%3Frss%3D1 This article presents a project focused on an educational setting within which a sixth-grader blind student was integrated in a public rural primary school. The project was undertaken by teachers of the school and researchers from the University of Thessaly in an action research framework. The aim of this research was to achieve better inclusion in terms of the blind student's participation in the school subject matters. The reflection on the phases of the research revealed many dimensions of the student's tactile exploration as well as dimensions which were pertinent to the type of inclusion applied by the teachers. The discussion considers issues such as integrated curriculum and practical implications and highlights the val... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=148201 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 148201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=148200&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F121%3Frss%3D1 Damage to the brain in children results in a multiplicity of visual difficulties which have to be managed both at home and at school. Parents of such children have detailed knowledge about the nature and characteristics of their child's visual difficulties and develop a range of coping strategies, often without realizing they have done so. The parents of children with such problems were invited to a meeting in which they were encouraged to share their experiences with each other. This article provides a detailed account of the approaches which the parents described as being helpful in the day to day care of their children. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=148200 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 148200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=148199&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F117%3Frss%3D1 This article reports on the exchange of ideas at an international conference in San Francisco in April 2005 on the definition, diagnosis and terminology of a condition which is at present variously described as cerebral, cortical or cognitive visual impairment (CVI). Some symptoms are listed, and the condition is compared with, and distinguished from, other visual impairments. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=148199 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 148199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=148198&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F3%2F108%3Frss%3D1 Two groups of sighted pre-school children were taught to name six braille letters: one group received phoneme instruction and the other grapheme instruction. Ten boys and ten girls (average age 4:5 years) participated. There was a statistically significant advantage for the phoneme group (Experiment 1). In a repeatedmeasures design, 16 sighted primary-school children (8 boys and 8 girls), with an average age of 10:9 years, were first taught to name 10 braille letters as phonemes, and another 10 braille letters as graphemes (Experiment 2). Then the same children were taught to name 10 braille words as onset-rime and another 10 braille words as whole words (Experiment 3). There was a statistically significant advantage for both ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=148198 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 148198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=148197&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F3%2F106%3Frss%3D1 (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=148197 Thu, 17 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100 148197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=124796&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F2%2F101%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=124796 Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 124796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=124795&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F2%2F50%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=124795 Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 124795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23945&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F2%2F102%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23945 Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 23945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23944&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F93%3Frss%3D1 This article introduces Talking TMAP – a collaborative effort between The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute and Touch Graphics, Inc. Talking TMAP combines existing tools such as the World Wide Web, geographic information systems, braille embossers and touch tablet technology in new ways to produce a system capable of creating detailed and accurate audio-tactile street maps of any neighborhood. The article describes software design, user interface and plans for future implementation. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23944 Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 23944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23943&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F83%3Frss%3D1 In this study, 41 tactile symbols, including subsets of arrow symbols and stair symbols, were investigated for effectiveness at indicating direction. The symbols were presented to blind or blindfolded participants, and qualitative and quantitative responses regarding the symbol orientation and meaning were recorded. The arrow symbols with the greatest agreement across participants as to which direction the symbol intended to convey were basic arrows and the arrowhead. In the case of a line with a saw-tooth surface profile that felt rough when traced by the finger in one direction and smooth in the opposite, participants were split between those intuitively thinking the rough or the smooth was the direction being indica... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23943 Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 23943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23942&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F76%3Frss%3D1 This article reviews the debate over the comprehension of two-dimensional microcapsule tactile pictures portraying three-dimensional information through the use of perspective and visual drawing conventions. It is proposed that three-dimensional haptic object recognition and its relationship to visual object recognition can inform the design of two-dimensional tactual displays. Experimental work is discussed which validates the use of such information in informing the design of 2-D tactile pictures. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23942 Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 23942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23941&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F67%3Frss%3D1 Tactile maps and diagrams need to be carefully designed in order to be readable by the visually impaired user. In the Tactile Inkjet Mapping Project, we attempt to provide a new orientation for tactile map design through a rigorous programme of experimental research on design issues (cognitive tactualization approach). In this article we discuss three of our studies. The first study evaluates the use of different background materials for tactile graphics. The second study looks at the minimal perceptible distance between two lines. The third study investigates the optimal elevation (height off the paper) at which graphics are produced. We argue that experimental studies like these represent a necessary basis for the design of ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23941 Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 23941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23940&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F60%3Frss%3D1 An earlier experiment demonstrated both possibilities and problems with reading a virtual map with a haptic mouse, the VTPlayerTM, the task being to locate states on a US map. The result was that addition of tactile matrix information had no effect on performance. The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the possibilities of improving the usefulness of the device by introducing two software modifications, one concerning texture within the states, another concerning temporal relations between tactile and auditory information when a state is entered. It was found that the former modification had a significant positive effect, but not the latter. The conclusion is that a haptic mouse may be a useful aid for non-visual... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23940 Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 23940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23939&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F2%2F52%3Frss%3D1 This article shows how such a historical and philosophical moment was an attempt to draw together a psychological philosophy of sensory experience, and how its legacy concerning a spatial imaginary remains to this day. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23939 Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:00:00 +0100 23939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=124799&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F1%2F48%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=124799 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 124799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=124798&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F1%2F46%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=124798 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 124798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=124797&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F1%2F2%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=124797 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 124797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23954&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F24%2F1%2F47%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23954 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 23954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23953&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F44%3Frss%3D1 The author gives an account of the onset of glaucoma while he was still at work, of the medical treatments and surgical operations aimed at saving his sight, and of how he learned to accept that he would no longer be able to work and to continue with some of the pastimes and activities that had been part of his and his family's daily life. The support of the staff of his local Social Services Department is described and praised, and he shows how his ongoing rehabilitation is equipping him to cope with life during his retirement years. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23953 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 23953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23952&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F40%3Frss%3D1 This is a highly personal account of how the author became aware of the source and the nature of her visual difficulties that stem from a rare, genetically inherited condition known as Sorsby's Fundus Dystrophy. Tracing the family history, discovering the characteristic symptoms of this degenerative eye condition, and coming to terms with the consequences of the impairment for work and daily life are described, as is the decision about whether on not she and her husband should have a family of their own. Despite the continuing deterioration in her sight, the author describes the demanding physical and social activities in which she regularly participates. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23952 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 23952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23951&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F37%3Frss%3D1 An account is given of a new research project that is concerned with examining the problems encountered by some young blind children as they learn to read braille. The research to be conducted will look at various developmental and learning theories that are used to explain the reading difficulties of sighted readers, with a view to ascertaining their relevance to the teaching and learning of braille. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23951 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 23951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23950&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F34%3Frss%3D1 The widely used Australian expression ‘Blind Freddy could see that’ is proposed as an exemplar of the terms blind and blindness in conveying social meaning. Examples of the expression's popular use are presented, and the extraordinary origin of the term explored. It is concluded that the expression should cease to exist, and that the challenge of promoting ‘people-first’ language as its replacement should lie primarily with: (a) Australians who are themselves blind or significantly vision impaired; and (b) with individuals and organizations who identify with the aims and aspirations of those who are sight impaired. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23950 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 23950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23949&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F30%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this study was to determine: (a) whether children with visual and additional impairments show any non-verbal behaviours, and if so what were the common behaviours; (b) whether two rehabilitation professionals interpreted the non-verbal behaviours similarly; and (c) whether a speech pathologist and a rehabilitation professional interpreted the behaviours similarly. Twelve children, aged from two to eight years, with visual and additional impairments, were videotaped during their play sessions to observe their non-verbal behaviour. A rehabilitation professional observed the tapes and identified and interpreted 131 non-verbal behaviours. The study found that the children showed 33 common behaviours. There was 9... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23949 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 23949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23948&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F19%3Frss%3D1 This article examines the experience of cochlear implantation in a select group of individuals with acquired deafblindness, focusing on three key themes: access to communication, information and mobility. Research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with five individuals known to the national charity, Deafblind UK, and explores participants’ feelings about individual problems encountered prior to implantation, the experience of cochlear implant surgery, and the outcome. The findings confirm that deafblindness is a unique disability and that cochlear implants are beneficial in terms of improvements to quality of life and communication, especially for those who are post-lingually deaf. (Source: British J... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23948 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 23948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23947&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F12%3Frss%3D1 This article investigates the ability of the sighted and partially sighted to estimate the speed of vehicles using a new low-vision travel-aid interface. It reports on existing environmental, ‘traditional’ and electronic travel aids and the ability to estimate velocity. Results suggest that sighted and partially sighted observers are able to estimate vehicle velocity in the physical environment and using the travel-aid interface, although estimations are frequently made with error. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23947 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 23947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23946&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F24%2F1%2F4%3Frss%3D1 This article presents an overview of the TeDUB system, some of the work carried out in developing the user requirements for the system, and an evaluation with 34 blind participants of the floorplan prototype of the system. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23946 Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0100 23946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=124800&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F3%2F98%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=124800 Tue, 08 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0100 124800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23961&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F3%2F130%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23961 Tue, 08 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0100 23961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23960&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F128%3Frss%3D1 A blind ex-service man gives an account of the onset of cone dystrophy which brought an end to his career as an aircraft engineer. He tells of his rehabilitation and training in residential settings, of the acquisition of new skills, and of studying to gain a bachelor's degree, and of setting out on an entirely new professional career. What emerges from the story is a man who is positive, determined not to let his blindness undermine his ambitions and committed, too, to participating in vigorous activities that give pleasure and meaning to his life. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23960 Tue, 08 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0100 23960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23959&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F122%3Frss%3D1 Perceptual perspective taking is regarded as a major milestone in sociocognitive development that sighted children have generally mastered by the age of 4-5 years. In children who are blind, however, most prior research reports a strong developmental delay of several years compared with sighted peers. After examining the current state of research, this article presents a single-case study of a congenitally blind 36-month-old girl. An analysis of her behavior in stills from a videotaped developmental testing sequence confirms that Level-1 perspective taking may be acquired at an earlier age than previous experimental research would suggest. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23959 Tue, 08 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0100 23959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23958&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F117%3Frss%3D1 Both fictional and factual discourses have situated visual impairment in a causal relationship with suicide. The article compares samples of these discourses in order to suggest that the fiction may have some bearing on the facts. This alternative explanation becomes all the more thought-provoking when it is considered that not only visual impairment but visual restoration has been posited as a cause of suicide. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23958 Tue, 08 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0100 23958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23957&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F114%3Frss%3D1 Free library service is a component of the foundations of democracy, citizenship, economic and social development, scholarship and education, in progressive societies. The evolution of libraries for people who are blind or vision impaired is briefly discussed and an innovative project, a talking book and daily newspaper delivery system that transfers digital information to the user via satellite, is described. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23957 Tue, 08 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0100 23957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23956&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F108%3Frss%3D1 By means of documentary evidence and a small number of qualitative interviews, this article traces the development of education for partially sighted children from the beginning of the 20th century until the 1960s. The article shows how for much of this period, and in different educational settings, partially sighted children were prevented from using their sight and were thus denied many important opportunities through the dominance of medical and educational 'experts'. The article concludes with a plea that the voices of disabled people, including children, are heard as educationalists grapple with the complex process of inclusion. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23956 Tue, 08 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0100 23956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23955&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F3%2F102%3Frss%3D1 This article reports findings from two linked projects. The first examined the housing, support and care needs of 400 visually impaired people aged 55 and over. The second looked at the housing and support needs of 121 adults aged 18-55. Only one half of younger informants and just over half of older informants had made physical alterations to their home to manage with impaired sight. A quarter of older people and three in ten younger people made no use whatsoever of aids or assistive technology. A lack of basic information prevented both groups from taking informed decisions about obtaining and adapting their accommodation. Older visually impaired people are the larger group numerically within societ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23955 Tue, 08 Nov 2005 07:00:00 +0100 23955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=124801&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F23%2F2%2F50%3Frss%3D1 (No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=124801 Wed, 20 Jul 2005 06:00:00 +0100 124801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23967&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F2%2F92%3Frss%3D1 An account is given of growing up as a child blinded as a result of a cancer of the eye known as retinoblastoma. The role of his mother is brought out, variously as a source of objective knowledge, of one’s personal worth, and of the worth of other people in one’s community. The strengths and weaknesses of his first school in his home area and then of the specialist residential school he attended are described and in part judged. His later awareness of the nature and implications of the cancer are set out, as also how the news was communicated to him. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23967 Wed, 20 Jul 2005 06:00:00 +0100 23967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23966&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F2%2F84%3Frss%3D1 The results of an empirical investigation into how visually-impaired people sense their surroundings show that a range of environmental features can be identified using sound, touch and smell. The information gained is relevant to the design of tactile maps, to ensure that an area is represented in a way that is meaningful to the map users. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23966 Wed, 20 Jul 2005 06:00:00 +0100 23966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23965&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F2%2F75%3Frss%3D1 This article describes the effective colour contrast and legible text required by visually-impaired students and presents a new tool, not intended merely to provide another form of computer access for the partially sighted, but to offer a means of education in the regular classroom. (Source: British Journal of Visual Impairment) British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23965 Wed, 20 Jul 2005 06:00:00 +0100 23965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23964&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F2%2F67%3Frss%3D1 This literature review took place during 2004, and shows that the braille debate over Grade 1 and Grade 2 has been ongoing for more than 70 years. Given the span of time and a remit that covered the English-speaking world, a chronological approach was taken, focusing on the two main strands of policy and empirical research, from the early 20th century to the present day. Most of the material originates from the USA, Canada and the UK. Commissioned by the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB), the review focuses on a single aspect of the code: the use of uncontracted braille, also referred to as Grade 1, and the use of contracted braille, which is commonly referred to as Grade 2. The review is c... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23964 Wed, 20 Jul 2005 06:00:00 +0100 23964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23963&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F2%2F58%3Frss%3D1 This article reports the results of an exploratory survey of 32 families of children with septo-optic dysplasia and 32 families of children without visual impairment or any specific health problems (who served as a comparison group). The focus of the research was to explore the children’s musical interests and abilities, the musical provision that was made for them, and the ways in which music might impact upon their wider development and education. The reports of the parents and carers provided a substantial amount of information, and while the data may have been subject to certain biases, the findings nevertheless serve as an important signpost for future research. The main conclusions relate ... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23963 Wed, 20 Jul 2005 06:00:00 +0100 23963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=23962&cid=s_32286_30_f&fid=32286&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjvi.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F23%2F2%2F52%3Frss%3D1 For many of the children who are blind and who also display features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) it is possible that their characteristics, while being representative of ASD, actually follow a different pathway to those children who have ASD and are sighted. It is proposed that these children should be viewed as having specific features rather than being a part of the collective of ASD. This article explores this issue by comparing the criteria for ASD with behaviours of both children who are sighted and those who are blind. Additionally, the diagnoses of blindness associated with neurological involvement and early medical complications are discussed. The effectiveness of intervention strategies... British Journal of Visual Impairment journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=23962 Wed, 20 Jul 2005 06:00:00 +0100 23962