Workshop On Low Vision Mobility

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 1, History and Theory, includes the bases of O&M knowledge, including perception, orientation, low vision, audition, kinesiology, psychosocial issues, and learning theories, as well as chapters on technology, dog guides, orientation aids, and environmental accessibility. A section on the profession of O&M includes its international history; administration, assessment and program planning; and a chapter on research in O&M. No O&M student or professional can afford to be without this essential resource.

This book is based on the papers presented at the Workshop on "Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired" held in Flo rence at the Institute for the Research on Electromagnetic Waves of the Italian Research Council on April 4-6, 1984. The Workshop, sponsored by the Committee for Medical and Public Health Research of the Commission of the European Communities, was meant to exchange ideas about the need, importance and feasibility of a European cooperation in the field of visual impairment and to identify promising research areas, where current national activities could take advantage of such a collaboration in order to increase their efficiency. In particular, it dealt with the develop ment and use of technical aids (mainly based on computers and signal processing techniques) and with the elaboration, evaluation and standardization of new methods and tests. The attendance was multidisciplinary, including researchers from the fields of technology, medicine and psychology and representatives from organizations involved in the rehabi litation of the visually impaired. Five technical sessions were organized, dealing with the following topics: automatic production of Braille and systems for paperless Braille, aids for reading and for the interaction with coded informa tion sources, low vision aids, transduction of visual infor mation into a tactile representation, mobility aids. Three different application sectors were mainly considered: education and culture, vocational training, mobility. A final session was devoted to a discussion in working groups. The results are briefly outlined in the following concise report of the Workshop.

A large-format manual covering definitions, techniques, and devices, designed for administrators, educators, rehabilitation counselors, and other professionals concerned with the mobility training process. A classic compilation of information on an essential subject.

A thorough review that covers fundamentals, assessment, clinical services, training and instructional services, and future directions. The author establishes a framework for understanding the impact of low vision on functioning, learning, and psychosocial status. Special sections contain chapters, reports, technical materials, curriculum guides, resources, and questionnaires by experts from 21 areas.