This article reports on a study of 10 adolescents with visual impairments and their best friends. It found that each adolescent had a unique perspective on the impact of visual impairment on family, school, and peer relationships but that all valued their friendships.

This study of 40 adolescents with visual impairments and 23 of their best friends found that adolescents with visual impairments are successful in establishing and maintaining reciprocal, intimate best friendships. The friends engaged in activities together that were typical of adolescents without disabilities. Although some participants stated that the visual impairments affected the activities the friends could do together, they also noted that these limitations did not have a strong negative impact on their friendships.

Introduction: Data were collected from youths with visual impairment about their experiences with tactile graphics and braille materials used in mathematics and science classes. Methods: Youths answered questions and explored four tactile graphics made using different production methods. They located specific information on each graphic and shared their thoughts about the quality of the graphics. Results: Twelve youths in 6th to 12th grades participated. Almost all participants reported typically receiving braille materials and using tactile graphics in their mathematics and science classes. Participants varied in their accuracy in locating specific information in four tactile graphics. They all reported that what made a tactile graphic "good" was clarity of information. Discussion: The majority of the youths reported that occasionally they do not have access to mathematics and science materials at the same time as their peers. Some seemed concerned by the lack of materials, and others did not. The lack of materials may be problematic, since some of the students reported completing the assignments later or not at all. Youths overwhelmingly reported a need to have tactually distinctive elements in graphics. Implications for practitioners: Professionals should consult youths when preparing materials for them for use in mathematics and science classes. Additionally, youths who are tactile readers need direct instruction in how to measure objects as well as how to locate specific information in a variety of graphics prepared using different production methods.

Introduction The authors examined a tablet computer application (iPad app) for its effectiveness in helping students studying pre-algebra to solve mathematical word problems. Methods Forty-three visually impaired students (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) completed eight alternating mathematics units presented using their traditional literacy medium or an iPad app. Twenty percent of the mathematics problems included graphics such as maps, line graphs, and bar graphs. During each session, teachers of visually impaired students rated the amount of support they provided for students and the student motivation. Results Students answered more mathematics problems correctly when using the iPad app and, overall, teachers reported that their students were more motivated with the app than with their traditional literacy medium. Students often used the hints provided in the app when they did not solve a problem correctly the first time. Discussion Visually impaired students and their teachers found the app and graphics to be easy to use and motivating. The built-in Scratch pad was used by almost all students who were print users. Implications for practitioners The study results contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the potential value of tablet-type devices for use by visually impaired students.

To evaluate the role of physical and/or sexual abuse on chronic pain symptoms and health care utilization in women, 104 consecutive female patients presenting to a multidisciplinary pain center for management of chronic pain were surveyed. Outcomes included a measure of sexual or physical abuse history (Drossman Sexual-Physical Abuse Survey), and measures of anxiety, health care utilization, substance abuse, and somatic symptoms. Forty-eight percent of the sample reported a history of physical abuse (PA) or sexual abuse (SA). Forty percent of the abused patients reported both PA and SA and the remainder reported SA (37%) or PA (23%) alone. The women who reported abuse had increased pain, physical symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and mental health care utilization compared to nonabused women. The women who reported abuse were also more likely to smoke and abuse street drugs. Women who reported both PA and SA were more likely to report head pain when compared to those who reported only PA or SA. Given the impact of abuse, particularly SA, on the presentation of chronic pain, queries regarding abuse should become a routine component of the patient interview. Abused patients should be referred to mental health care practitioners as a component of successful pain management if unresolved issues persist.