Services to Blind and Visually Impaired Children and Adults: Who is Responsible?

Abstract
Quality education and rehabilitation programs for blind and visually impaired individuals may be threatened by the philosophy of service to disabled people currently prevailing at the federal level. This philosophy would treat blind and visually impaired persons as though their needs were the same as those of other handicapped persons. In fact, sometimes the needs coincide; sometimes they do not. Proper service delivery can be ensured only by understanding this philosophy, becoming aware of its subtle and overt impact on programs for people with visual impairments, and acting in concert with others who have similar concerns.