Objectives. Verify the application of assistive technology, especially information technology in the education of blind and low-vision ABSTRACTAssistive technology is an interdisciplinary field of knowledge comprising products, resources, methodologies, strategies, practices, and services that aims to promote functionality for visually impaired people with regard to autonomy, independence, quality of life, and social inclusion (1).

Perception of topical ocular drug delivery: comparison between eyedrop instillation in open eyes and vaporisation in closed eyes Percepção da aplicação tópica ocular de drogas: comparação entre instilação de gotas em olhos abertos e vaporização em olhos fechados

A.C. apresentou 50,0% nos conceitos posição, tamanho e quantidade; A.M. apresentou 50,0% em discriminação auditiva; D.A.C. apresentou menos de 50,0% de acertos nos conceitos de direção, espaço, forma, discriminação tátil, discriminação auditiva, análise/síntese e coordenação motora fina; A.M. também alcançou menos de 50,0% de acertos nos conceitos de direção, discriminação tátil, análise/síntese e coordenação motora fina. Com relação à aplicabilidade, o teste IAR mostrou-se eficaz para avaliar os escolares cegos, oferecendo instruções úteis para que profissionais e familiares adotem estímulos e estratégias que favoreçam o desenvolvimento dos mesmos. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: cegueira; educação de cegos; avaliação de habilidades; educação special.ABSTRACT: three case studies were undertaken in order to assess the applicability of the IAR Test in blind students; three eight year old blind students, whose impairments were caused by retinopathy of prematurity or congenital cataract (A.M., D.A.C., T.A.M.), who went to the Center for Hearing, Language and Vision (Cedalvi) of the Hospital for Craniofacial Anomaly Rehabilitation (HRAC), USP, Bauru/SP/Brazil, participated in the study. During a six month period the students were assessed using the Instrument to Assess Basic Literacy Repertoire (IAR); the instrument was transcribed in Braille, also having raised images when applicable. Results of the IAR application showed that T.A.M. achieved 100% accuracy for all concepts; A.M. and D.A.C. achieved 100% accuracy for body scheme, laterality and word verbalization; D.A.C. achieved 50% for the concepts of position, size and quantity; A.M. achieved 50% for hearing discrimination; D.A.C. obtained a rate of less than 50% for concepts of direction, space, shape, tactile discrimination, hearing discrimination, analysis/synthesis and fine motor coordination; A.M. also achieved less than 50% success rate for direction, tactile discrimination, analysis/synthesis and fine motor coordination concepts. As to applicability, the IAR Test was shown to be effective in assessing blind students; it offers useful orientation to professionals and family members who wish to adopt stimulation and strategies that enhance their development.

A minha querida mãe, Florinda (in memoriam), pela condução, ensinamentos. Suas palavras são a inspiração e incentivo em tudo na minha vida.Ao meu pai, Newton, pela paciência, dedicação e companhia em muitas de nossas viagens a Campinas.Ao meu querido sobrinho, Gustavo Rabello, pelo carinho e por estar sempre presente nos momentos mais delicados desta trajetória, sempre pronto a ajudar. vii A study has been undertaken according to a qualitative approach, once the researcher shares the development, perception and experience process of research object that, in this case, is related to the use of computer means by visually impaired student. The objective was to verify text reproduction and the performance of visually impaired students when reading texts written through a computer machine. Sample comprised six students 12 through 15 years old, enrolled at 5 th to 8 th series of Fundamental Course that used the resource room at the city of Santa Barbara d'Oeste/SP. It was used as instrument an observation schedule applied in two moments, before and after computer usage course, which was ministered three times a week, for eight months, using voice synthesizer Dosvox and Virtual Vision, as well as the Acessibililty Assistant resource of Windows. To verify the student performances when reading and writing texts digitations activities were employed with the aid of printed texts. Using the schedule, researcher made a content analysis to reach the object under investigation. Results : from the six observed students , all possessed a basic knowledge about computer usage, a good performance in text digitations and satisfactory reading. It was observed through the Acessibility Assistant of operational system Windows, amplification and sound of Virtual Vision, allowing a good school performance of visually impaired students.