British Journal of Visual Impairment

Computer-based handwriting exercises were developed for students with handwriting difficulties, but normal vision, in 1976. These exercises were subsequently adapted for blind students by using the computer to translate visual information concerning pen movements and letter shapes into tactile and auditory form. The computer can also transform this information into a magnified visual display suitable for visually impaired students. Good results from the computer exercises have been obtained with both visually impaired and blind students, who after a period of training with computer guidance have been able to write fluently in freehand. These successes provide further evidence for the extent to which handwriting is a motor activity.

This article describes how a tree identification key is used by a visually handicapped student in a woodland survey. It also covers bird study based on a birdsong cassette with special commentary, and insect studies starting from galls and feeding-damage. The methods described are devised to encourage a questioning attitude in visually handicapped students.

This paper is a description and appraisal of the Blind Learning Aptitude Test. The BLAT items consist of raised-line abstract symbols which the child is required to discriminate and make deductions from. Trials carried out by the author show that, despite some reservations, the BLAT may be a useful complement to the existing tests o f intelligence, aptitude and achievement.