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.
blindness; education for the blind; assessment of abilities; special education
