Reverse mainstreaming (integrating sighted children into a special class) can be an effective approach with visually impaired elementary students, both in terms of academic benefits (such as increased individualized instruction for sighted students) and social benefits (including a greater understanding of blindness). (CL)

The study compared the physical fitness of 283 segregated resident, 64 segregated nonresident, and 137 integrated visually impaired subjects aged 10 to 17 years. Results indicated that educational environment (favoring the segregated environment) was a significant factor on four of the six items in the physical fitness test battery. (Author/DB)

One hundred and six visually handicapped children, who had attended an intensive preschool program stressing cognitive development, were compared with 182 Ss, who had received other less intensive services. (BD)

The social participation patterns of 28 young children with visual impairments (some with additional disabilities) during free-play periods was compared across specialized and integrated settings. Although no significant differences were found between settings, there were significant differences between children with and without additional…

The learning needs of blind and visually impaired children can be categorized into three groups: (1) needs met by adapting the curriculum; (2) needs met by changing the instructional methodology; and (3) developmental and educational needs unique to these students. (Author/CB)