Abstract
Studies showing developmental delays in infants and children with visual impairments
have triggered early childhood special education studies for this population. Early childhood
special education guidelines for visually impaired infants and children range from
individualized services to personnel preparation issues while all display certain limitations
in practice. Th is study focuses on the problems faced in the implementation of these
guidelines and some possible solutions regarding these limitations, in light of a thorough
literature review. Th ese guidelines included steps to be taken in determining the developmental
patterns of visually impaired young children, providing instruction in all areas of
development, personnel preparation, assessment and evaluation as well as mainstreaming
practices and several solutions to overcome barriers were proposed. Th is discussion is believed
to shed light on planning and implementing eff ective support services for infants
and children with visual impairments.