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The ABC’s of Vision and AAC

Governmental
Groups solving problems

Lea Hyvarinen, an ophthalmologist from Finland whose work is widely known and respected, feels governments are in the best position to support the formation of interdisciplinary groups that enable busy practitioners to brainstorm tonics and make headway in a field.²⁰ A few examples follow:

1.) Nordic Countries.²² Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland have a long tradition of working together. This October a small group of ophthalmologists and co-workers are planning a seminar in Oslo, Norway to discuss ways to improve the assessment of children and adults who have visual impairments and problems communicating. Participants at the upcoming meeting will include ophthalmologists, psychologists, neuropsychologists, pediatric neurologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and communication specialists. The group will discuss better ways to assess the functional vision available for communication.

Contact Lea Hyvarinen, M.D. for more information. Harmaaparrankuja 3 FIN-02200 ESPOO Finland. FAX 358-M208968.

2.) Consensus Conference on Protocols for choosing low vision devices.²¹

In 1993 a panel sponsored in the U.S. by the NIDRR developed a consensus statement and a publication in response to the following questions:

• What clinical measurements and functional behaviors define the population of adults who can benefit from low vision devices?<
  
  
• What are the best standard clinical and functional assessment practices addressing the needs of adults with low vision?
  
  
• What are the optical-functional characteristics of available low vision devices that meet the needs of adults with low vision?
  
  
• What are the best practices for determining which low vision devices will be most effective in maximizing visual function for adults with low vision?
  
  
• What instruction and guided practice currently best insures successful utilization of devices?
  
  
• What future research is needed? RERC on Low Vision and Blindness.²²

Proposed priorities for funding of the next Rehabilitation Engineering Center on Low Vision and Blindness are to:

• develop innovative adaptive devices and engineering solutions to prepare all children with low vision and blindness to enter school (i.e., early identification and monitoring and treatment of visual impairments in neonates and infants.)
  
  
• improve visual displays including flat panel displays and liquid crystal displays with low contrast.
  
  
• maintain access to new products used in the home, workplace and community such as solid state displays, keypads, and compact disc technology.
  
  
• conduct research on the provision of access to public facilities and mass transit.
  
  
• develop techniques to increase independent mobility and decrease dependence on others for information and assistance.
  
  
• conduct research, develop and evaluate new and adaptive technology for persons with deaf-blindness.

For more information about NIDRR programs and publications, write: NIDRR, Room 3424, Dcpt. of Educ, 400B Maryland Avc. SW, Washington, DC 20202.

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