Visual Impairments (VIs) are ranked as the fourth most common disability in the United States and are viewed as the most common restricting condition during childhood. It has been reported that 17% to 25% of school-aged children have some degree of a vision problem, thus interrupting their potential to reach optimal growth and learning in school.…

With more than 100 billion neurons that would stretch more than 60,000 miles, a newborn baby's brain is quite phenomenal! These neurons must generally form connections within the first eight months of a baby's life to foster optimal brain growth and lifelong learning. Mommies, daddies, and caregivers are extremely vital to ensuring babies reach…

Part of a series of booklets designed to provide practical ideas parents can use to help their children become readers, this booklet focuses on children's eyesight. The booklet's seven sections are as follows: (1) How Does Vision Affect Children's Progress in School? (2) What Kinds of Problems Affect These Demands for Vision? (3) How Can I Spot…

Dr. Orfield's highly readable guide on vision development presents ground-breaking solutions to common learning problems and is supported by substantial data. This holistic common sense--that most people do not know--is not just about vision but also how vision is interrelated with learning. It teaches how to care for a child's vision as well as…

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

This guide, one of a series of booklets developed by Project STEPS (Steps Toward Effective Production of Speech), presents guidelines for parents of deaf-blind children regarding the care of eyeglasses. Basic concerns with glasses and contact lenses are noted and parents are advised to perform the following daily tasks: checking the frames,…

This book presents an introduction to the range of technology that can be used to assist in the education of students with visual impairments, with descriptions of the main features of approximately 45 systems. After an introductory chapter, Chapter 1 identifies four key uses for technology: in communication, in the production of materials, to…

This article suggests ways that families of children with visual impairments can promote the travel skills of their children. Topics covered include ways to share information during travel, involving children in travel, involving children with nondrivers, helping adolescents who will not drive gain increased independence, and supporting young…

Programs and centers which use a multidisciplinary approach to treat the special developmental and biomedical needs of individuals with Down's syndrome are described, and the locations of several centers are presented as well as a guide to medical problems common in such individuals. (CB)

These California state guidelines are intended as a resource for parents, staff, and administrators in assessing, identifying, planning, providing, evaluating, and improving the quality and cost effectiveness of programs serving visually impaired students. Chapters have the following titles and sample subtopics: (1) "Introduction"…

Certain play situations are very difficult for young visually impaired children. This booklet focuses on three areas of play: exploring toys and materials, making transitions from one activity to another, and playing with other children. Through anecdotal descriptions of common situations encountered by caregivers, the booklet discusses why these…

Part of a series of booklets for parents of deaf-blind children prepared by Project STEPS (Steps Toward Effective Production of Speech), this booklet contains a list of words and their meanings and is designed to promote understanding about hearing and vision loss. The roles of professionals working with deaf blind children are explained. The…

Designed to develop creativity in young learners, this book contains interdisciplinary activities which focus on the theme of light and color. Activity pages are provided that can serve as front and back covers of a student booklet and the suggested activities can be duplicated for insertion between the covers resulting in a booklet for each…

This is a Spanish adaptation of the English version of the book, "Brainworks: From Birth to Kindergarten. The book is to be used with a multimedia presentation that is available on computer diskette. The book and multimedia presentation are designed to help parents and childcare providers understand the concept of early exposure and exploration…

This book is to be used with a multimedia presentation that is available on compact disc. The book and multimedia presentation are designed to help parents and childcare providers understand the concept of early exposure and exploration that is followed by increased development of synaptic connections and ultimately prepares children to handle…