Rehabilitation professionals have long recognized that the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired are unique and require a special knowledge and expertise for the provision and coordination of effective rehabilitation services. Contributions to this text from more than 25 experts provide essential information on subjects such as functional, medical, vocational and psychological assessments; demographic and cultural issues; placement and employment issues; and the rehabilitation team. Each chapter includes a Learning Activities section that can be used in class assignments or during in-service training. Sample forms, such as a Job Analysis Worksheet, a Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation System Protocol, an Individualized Written Rehabilitation Program, and a Work Environment Visual Demands Report are included in the appendices. An extensive glossary provides easy access to clear definitions of terms.

This book details the background on the history and development of rehabilitation teaching and provides practical information and instructional strategies. Proven techniques are described for working with individuals with adventitious or congenital visual impairments, as well as strategies for teaching basic living skills. Included are chapters on each of the skill areas taught by rehabilitation teachers; detailed, step-by-step lesson plans for specific skills in each area; and valuable sample forms for assessing and planning the needs and course of instruction for new clients.

"Foundations of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy continues the legacy of Paul Ponchillia and Sue Ponchillia's seminal work Foundations of Rehabilitation Teaching with Persons Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired. After it was published in 1996, that book quickly established itself as an essential reference for vision rehabilitation professionals. Foundations of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy builds on that important work, reflecting changes in terminology and technology, while also incorporating best practices based on the past decades of evidence. It reflects the contemporary understanding of adult learning and skill building, providing proven techniques to help people with visual impairments develop skills and gain confidence that will equip them to lead independent, fulfilling lives"--

The seventh edition of Foundations of the Vocational Rehabilitation Process provides historical, philosophical, legislative, and sociological foundations for the habilitation/rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. A thorough and current introduction to the American vocational rehabilitation process, this edition addresses mandates presented in the current major pieces of disability legislation influencing the practice of rehabilitation, including:Greater involvement of individuals with significant disabilitiesAlternative approaches to vocational placementProvision of independent living servicesExpansion of rehabilitation/habilitation services for individuals with developmental disabilitiesAccess to health careProtection of the civil rights of people with disabilities.This book presents theoretical and practical assistance in translating those mandates into positive action. It is this dual process of individual and environmental proactivity that can maximize the rehabilitation of disabled individuals. Not just for the dedicated rehabilitation counselor, this book is also for students attending an introductory course at the master's- or senior-level and in-service directors who design informative training programs.New in the seventh edition:Updated chapter on how "The Americans with Disabilities Act" (ADA), as amended in 2008, prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public services, accommodations, and telecommunications.Updated section on the right to medical treatment in light of the 2012 "Affordable Care Act" (ACA).New information and updated references were added on the five disability types--physical disabilities, emotional disorders, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and visual impairments and blindness.Now includes more than 1300 references, 300 of which are new.

This new and expanded Third Edition analyzes blindness within the context of two overlapping theoretical constructs: the development of self-esteem and the process of adjusting to social and/or physical trauma. The book is divided into four sections. The first section provides an overview of blindness and the essential background for subsequent discussions. Section II explores the general theoretical model for the development of self-esteem common to all persons and analyzes the impact that blindness imposes upon this model. Section III explores the process of coping with social and physical traumas or crises. Section IV is addressed primarily to members of the blind person�s support team and provides suggestions for creating a climate for optimum development. Factors that may influence the adjustment process, descriptions of external and internal sources of self-esteem, activities for stimulating affective growth, and guidelines for professionals who work with the blind are included. Personal impacts and psychosocial implications of blindness are discussed in-depth and illustrated with biographical and autobiographical statements by more than 50 blind men and women. This book will serve as an excellent review and refresher for experienced practitioners and administrators working in the field of blindness. Professionals in education, social work, vocational counseling, rehabilitation, recreation therapy, ophthalmology, and optometry will find this comprehensive resource to be an invaluable addition to their libraries.

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.