The use of a piagetian approach in work with the visually handicapped child

Abstract

What can close study of a very young handicapped child's development using a Piagetian approach contribute to our understanding and furthering of development? The paper discusses the usefulness of Piaget's methods of investigation and the differing findings in research with visually handicapped children. Relatively little work using conservation tasks with such children has been carried out and where it has been it gives rise to conflicting conclusions about the question of delay in their development. Possible explanations for the contrasting findings are suggested. Research with ordinary children is seen to shed light on the question and clarify key ‐issues. Careful thorough study of an individual blind child's developing understanding, carried out in close collaboration with her parent, provides clearer insight into processes involved in solving conservation problems as well as into possible reasons for differing findings in previous studies. The paper presents case history and other preliminary informa...