SOCIAL BEHAVIORS OF CHILDREN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS ENROLLED IN PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

This study investigated the social behaviors of children with visual i mpairments enrolled in a variety of preschool programs Using the Behav iour Observation Record, the researchers made comparisons between the social interactions of 9 children with visual impairments and a matche d comparison group of 9 children with full sight. Observational data i ndicated that the children with visual impairment were capable of inte racting with others. Differences were noted, however, in the frequency of social initiations and the targets of these initiations made by th e children with visual impairments. These observations are interpreted in support of the integration of preschool children with visual impai rment into general education programs.