[The present situation with regard to the practical handling of the blind in South Africa].

Frankness in explaining the visual handicap helps the individual and his parents in accepting and coping with the impairment. Early reference of the visually handicapped to the relevant schools is important for pre-school guidance and counselling. Special aids and appliances facilitate rehabilitation and adjustment, and training in orientation and mobility skills leads to greater independence. Braille, touch-typing, large print, low-vision aids, closed-circuit TV reading apparatus, cassettes and the Optacon are means of reading and communication. The visually handicapped can take part in ordinary forms of recreation as well as in specially organized sports and entertainment. All visually impaired individuals who may qualify should be encouraged to have themselves registered as blind persons for personal, research and statistical purposes. There are ten special schools for the visually handicapped in South Africa with academically and vocationally directed courses. Tertiary training at standard training centres is possible and special study bursaries as well as bursaries for special aids and appliances are available. Modern electronic aids open up new job possibilities for the visually handicapped and special sheltered workshop are available for the multiple-handicapped visually impaired.