Abstract This research paper discusses the unique issues associated with the education of blind and low vision students in Texas public schools. The author considers that educating blind people is a life-long process of compensating for the loss of arguably the most important of the human senses. The paper concludes that there are a vast number of skills, such as self-help and employment training that are also a part of the education of the visually impaired in Texas public schools.
Braille Readiness
Pre-Braille Skills
Tactual Symbols
Social Skills
From the Paper "When teaching a blind child who is expected to be in the regular classroom, it is best to start teaching the Braille alphabet when his classmates are learning printed letters. By doing this, the child has a better chance of grasping the connection between the letters and the raised dots. This is a difficult process and should be taught slowly. Mangold strongly suggests using the same tactics that regular teachers use in order to keep the child interested, such as games, music and physical play. "
Abstract This paper asks and attempts to answer the question, "how does a blind person begin a career in music?". It addresses this question by reviewing and explaining music Braille as opposed to literary Braille and its auxiliary technologies, by citing several resources available that offer Braille music or offer information and referral services for visually impaired students who wish to study music, and by explaining some of the technology available to assist blind students in their music studies.
From the Paper "The first names that come to mind when one thinks of successful blind musical luminaries, are likely to be: Ray Charles, Ronnie Milsap, Teddy Pendergrass, Jose Feliciano, and of course, Stevie Wonder, among others. And in the jazz and blues genre, there are a number of blind artists, such as George Shearing, Roland Kirk, and Rev. Gary Davis, to name a few. And, meantime, for the blind person who is not already competent at the task of performing or writing music, and who respects those famous blind musicians mentioned above ? and even views them as role models ? how does that blind person begin a career in music? How does a novice learn?"
This paper introduces and discusses the Pitts S-2B aircraft, and the history of the company that manufactures this aircraft, along with the inventor, Curtis H. Pitts.
Abstract The following paper examines how the Pitts planes revolutionized aerobatic performance and competition. The writer discusses how flying in the 60's was redefined with the introduction of the S1-S Pitts Special, a small, powerful and agile biplane that dominated the sport during the period. This paper argues that the tiny Pitts was a marked contrast to the large Yak-52 monoplane used by the USSR and other eastern block countries.
From the Paper "Pitts Specials, in all their varieties, are eager to please. And they respond well to a loving touch. They become transparent and take on the personality of the pilot, making him, or her, the composer. The Pitts lets them write the melody as they alone hear it" (Davisson).
While it is still a very popular training and show aircraft, the Pitts S-2B is no longer in production, is has been superceded by the Pitts S-2C. Replacement parts can still be purchased from Aviat Aircraft of Afton, Wyoming. ?To many pilots, their Pitts Special becomes more than an airplane. It becomes a living, breathing entity that completes them both as people and as pilots. Maybe that's the real gift of Curtis Pitts. It's not so much the victories, as what he has added to so many lives. Few people make that kind of contribution to the world. But then, few people have designed the likes of a Pitts Special.?
A look at the definition, public views (laws, attitudes), relationships, independent living, the Braille Institute, role of computers in education and communication.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 11 sources, 1992, $ 71.95
From the Paper "There exists numerous definitions for the phenomenon blindness, not all of which contain the same elements or degrees of severity. For example, the American Medical Association (Renston, 1988, p. 44) defines blindness as:
... a person shall be considered blind whose central visual acuity does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses or whose visual acuity, if better than 20/200, has a limit to the central field of vision to such a degree that its widest diameter subtends an angle of no greater than 20 degrees.
In contrast, Hoover and Bledsoe (Stolov & Clowers, 1981, p. 377) report that the term blindness refers to " ... anatomic and functional disturbances of the sense of vision of sufficient magnitude to cause total loss of light perception." The term..."
An analysis of the topic of inclusion which requires educational frameworks in the United States to include children with disabilities into their systems
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of full inclusion, which calls for integration of students with disabilities to the regular classroom/education system in the United States. Specifically, it provides arguments in favor of using full inclusion in the classroom and answers the question 'What's so special about special education?' It examines what children - both disabled and non-disabled - can learn from educational experiences with their peers and that an inclusion of these children in the classroom benefits everyone, from the teachers, to the students, to the parents.
From the Paper "Aiding full inclusion in the classroom is the development of specialized assertive devices for disabled students. Many of these devices were developed specifically for use in the classroom environment. There are devices for reading Braille, typing while the student dictates into the machine, and speaking computers that translate text into spoken words. There are also software programs that "help people with learning disabilities read and write more efficiently and productively" (Steele-Carlin). The devices help disabled students assimilate into the classroom, and keep up with their classmates in written and oral assignments. Parents may provide some devices, while others may be provided by the school district. As more of these devices become available, it should be markedly easier for disabled students to learn and participate in the classroom."
Abstract This paper explains different technologies, from Braille to closed circuit television to text-to-speech readers, that can be used to enhance the educational experience of the visually impaired student. It also emphasizes the importance of teacher involvement and the different ways teachers can effectively educate students with low vision or who are blind.
Abstract This report explains who is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the laws enacted under the Act. The paper also talks about some of the misperceptions and misunderstandings many Americans have regarding the Act and suggests that it is a law based on common sense and will help businesses in the long run as they make their sites more accessible to the disabled.
From the Paper "There are obviously qualifications for someone to be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. A person who has a disability must still be qualified to participate whether a disability was there or not. If someone with a disability desired to join a swim team or some other activity where the individual would not otherwise have made the team, keeping her off the team would not be considered discrimination. For example, a 15-year-old girl with spinal bifida tries out for the swim team but she cannot swim, a coach would not be discriminating. This would not be discrimination under Americans with Disabilities Act because the girl would not have qualified either way ? the problem was she was a non-swimmer not that she was disabled. If facilities managers and planners make the barriers go away, companies should then be able to hire workers who increase productivity with or without the Americans with Disabilities Act."
Abstract This papers begins with Heward's chapter on blindness and low vision and their nature as sources of individuality and challenges in educational settings. It looks at how Heward favours understanding of the visually impaired as having a different perception of life and the world. He is also a proponent of rectifying Braille as compared to Internet sources selling appliances to aid blind, low vision students as though these were essential.
From the Paper "Individuals faced with blindness or low vision as a lifelong or acquired disability are apt to confront a great variety of materials, especially, on subjects of adaptations that are possible to permit normal living, including the needs of Education. This paper explores a number of substantial Internet sites addressing blindness and low vision, directly, and with reference to other published material in William L. Heward's chapter on blindness and low vision in the 2002 edition of Exceptional Children - Introduction to Special Education (402-437)."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses the issues relating to the inclusive placement for learners with disability. The paper focuses primarily on blind children. The paper concludes with the idea that everybody is entitled to benefit from the result he can attain through education regardless of the capacity of the person, and regardless of how he would like to be educated.
Outline:
Introduction
Disabled Alongside not Disabled (Advantage)
Disabled Alongside not Disabled (Disadvantage)
Disabled Alongside Disabled (Advantage)
Disabled Alongside Disabled (Disadvantage)
Some Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "Attending a school that did not cater exclusively to students with visual impairments would not afford them with the same level of academic support that they were currently receiving. They perceived that in local schools they would experience larger-sized classes, less attention from teachers, and fewer opportunities to function independently. Students also felt that their local schools were not equipped with the trained personnel (e.g., orientation and mobility instructors) or resources, including the books, materials, and technology that existed in their special school (Anne Corn, 2003). Educational setting for special children is better equipped than the normal setting. The students are given professional and trained personnel to teach and attend specifically to their need as compared to what their local school can offer. They have comfort being around other visually impaired students. "
