Message to the Reader
The Barraga Visual Efficiency Program (BVEP) proudly stands on the shoulders of a line of products based on the research of Natalie Barraga, Ed.D. The BVEP is named in honor of Dr. Barraga. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has manufactured and sold Dr. Barraga’s products for many years. Dr. Barraga changed the way teachers of children with visual impairments (TVIs) teach their students, and still today students learn how to use their vision most efficiently by methods developed by Dr. Barraga. APH first published Barraga’s Visual Efficiency Scale (VES) in 1970 as a component of the Utilization of Low Vision Kit. During the 1980s, an evaluation of published materials and special study institutes was held throughout the nation. Barraga revised the Utilization of Low Vision Kit into the Program to Develop Efficiency in Visual Functioning (PDEVF); the VES was revised and expanded into a Diagnostic Assessment Procedure (DAP). The PDEVF was updated last in 1998.
The BVEP consists of three books bound together: Guidebook, Evaluation book, and the Instruction book; the Perceptual Skills Evaluation book; two presentation boards; and custom-made objects. Please use the books and items together to conduct comprehensive assessments and meaningful lessons.