The central idea of this book is that blindness itself results in no particular social arrangement as a cultural pattern. People are socialized to expect ideas about appropriate behavior for blind people and these vary from culture to culture. The descriptions of blindness in several different cultures are the authors’ firsthand observations as outsiders visiting different cultures interviewing individuals, as well as extensive reviewing of written sources. The text describes different perspectives regarding blindness and the social arrangements created for and by blind people. The viewpoints of blind people themselves receive prominent attention in the book. The text is critical in its perspective. Its purpose is to analyze patterns of domination and subordination as they take various forms in different cultures, including physical condition. Major discussions include: Why study rehabilitation and blindness from a cross-cultural perspective; Cultural perspectives on blindness; Producing new images about blindness; Blindness in the United States - From isolation to full inclusion; Blindness is Africa; Blind people in the Middle Kingdom and the People’s Republic of China; Spain’s unique Organizacion Nacional de Ciegos Espanoles; and the Changing culture of blindness around the world. The book strives to contribute to the social sciences and the study of behavior that is considered deviant or different. It also seeks to stimulate interest in cross-national and cross-cultural studies of blindness, and contributes to the development of a broader and richer understanding about blindness for those who provide education, rehabilitation, and employment services. Finally, the book strives to aid blind people who are reflective about their own situation and who are working to make it better.

In this examination of the social interactions of children with visual impairments, theory and research are combined to explore how these children can be helped to succeed socially. Innovative practical strategies are provided for educators, researchers, and families on how to assist children in the development of social skills. Qualitative ethnographic approaches demonstrate how classroom teachers can work effectively with individual children and present valuable insights about children's interactions.

INTRODUCTION TO THE SOCIAL HISTORY OF BLINDNESS AND CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENTS.

This study describes the play behavior and social interactions of a Slovenian preschool-aged child who is blind. The subjectćs social development was then compared to that of a similar-aged child in the United States who is also blind. There is ample research describing the social development of preschool children with developmental disabilities, however, there is little empirical evidence available specific to children who are blind. This is one of only a handful of similar studies conducted in the United States, and the first of its kind in Slovenia. The data obtained from the assessment protocol indicated play behaviors and social interactions of a Slovenian preschool child who is typically developing, with no additional disabilities. These findings are compared to those of a subject in the United States, which indicated that although the subject was developmentally above age level in all domains, she demonstrated atypical social participation skills and individual social behaviors. The results further identified the social competence skills at particular risk for young children with vision impairment.

The problem of social integration has been discussed as viewed by the deaf themselves. The viewpoint of hearing members of the society who come into contact with the deaf has also been taken care of. The opinion of the employers about the employability of the non-hearing members of the society especially in the light of their firsthand experience makes this publication a significant contribution in its category. Besides the empirical information and analyses, the details have been illustrated with visual diagrams. To make it more realistic and useful some illustrations of the anatomy of the ear, sign language, etc., are also included in the book

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.

"This book expands upon the knowledge base and provides a compendium of intervention strategies to support and enhance the acquisition of social skills and children and youths with visual impairments ... Part 1 ... addresses social skills from a first-person perspective. The second part ... examines how theory seeks to explain social development and influences assessment and practice ... Part 3, ties personal perspectives and theory to actual practice. Finally, Part 4 ... offers numerous examples and models for teaching social skills to students who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabling conditions."--Introduction.