Rehabilitation professionals have long recognized that the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired are unique and require a special knowledge and expertise for the provision and coordination of effective rehabilitation services. Contributions to this text from more than 25 experts provide essential information on subjects such as functional, medical, vocational and psychological assessments; demographic and cultural issues; placement and employment issues; and the rehabilitation team. Each chapter includes a Learning Activities section that can be used in class assignments or during in-service training. Sample forms, such as a Job Analysis Worksheet, a Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation System Protocol, an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program, and a Work Environment Visual Demands Report are included in the appendices. An extensive glossary provides easy access to clear definitions of terms.

This book details the background on the history and development of rehabilitation teaching and provides practical information and instructional strategies. Proven techniques are described for working with individuals with adventitious or congenital visual impairments, as well as strategies for teaching basic living skills. Included are chapters on each of the skill areas taught by rehabilitation teachers; detailed, step-by-step lesson plans for specific skills in each area; and valuable sample forms for assessing and planning the needs and course of instruction for new clients.

This new and expanded Third Edition analyzes blindness within the context of two overlapping theoretical constructs: the development of self-esteem and the process of adjusting to social and/or physical trauma. The book is divided into four sections. The first section provides an overview of blindness and the essential background for subsequent discussions. Section II explores the general theoretical model for the development of self-esteem common to all persons and analyzes the impact that blindness imposes upon this model. Section III explores the process of coping with social and physical traumas or crises. Section IV is addressed primarily to members of the blind person�s support team and provides suggestions for creating a climate for optimum development. Factors that may influence the adjustment process, descriptions of external and internal sources of self-esteem, activities for stimulating affective growth, and guidelines for professionals who work with the blind are included. Personal impacts and psychosocial implications of blindness are discussed in-depth and illustrated with biographical and autobiographical statements by more than 50 blind men and women. This book will serve as an excellent review and refresher for experienced practitioners and administrators working in the field of blindness. Professionals in education, social work, vocational counseling, rehabilitation, recreation therapy, ophthalmology, and optometry will find this comprehensive resource to be an invaluable addition to their libraries.

This comprehensive reference source is a state-of-the-art guide to the scientific, clinical, rehabilitative, and policy aspects of vision impairment and blindness. More than 100 original contributions from physicians, therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and policy makers cover everything from the basic science of vision and its diseases to assistive technologies, treatment, and care.

Foundations of Low Vision: Clinical and Functional Perspectives, the ground-breaking text that highlighted the importance of focusing on the functional as well as the clinical implications of low vision, has been completely updated and expanded in this second edition. The revised edition goes even further in its presentation of how best to assess and support both children and adults with low vision and plan programs and services that optimize their functional vision and ability to lead productive and satisfying lives, based on individuals' actual abilities. Part 1, Personal and Professional Perspectives, provides the foundations of this approach, with chapters focused on the anatomy of the eye, medical causes of visual impairment, optics and low vision devices, and clinical low vision services, as well as psychological and social implications of low vision and the history of the field. Part 2 focuses on children and youths, providing detailed treatment of functional vision assessment, instruction, use of low vision devices, orientation and mobility, and assistive technology. Part 3 presents rehabilitation and employment issues for working-age adults and special considerations for older adults.

Foundations of Orientation and Mobility, the classic professional reference and textbook has been completely revised and expanded to two volumes by the most knowledgeable experts in the field. The new third edition includes both the latest research in O&M and expanded information on practice and teaching strategies. Volume 2, Instructional Strategies and Practical Applications, contains detailed information in such as areas as the use of the senses in O&M; teaching O&M to different age and ability groups; the use of technology-based travel systems; and travel in complex environments. No O&M student or professional can afford to be without this essential resource.