This pioneering study of the integration of the blind with the sighted is an abridged form of the author''s thesis for the M.Phil. degree in Social Work. The title of the book is in keeping with the theme of the International Year of Disabled Persons i.e. ‘Full Participation and Equal Opportunities'' or, in other words ‘Integrating the Handicapped with General Society''. The present study is based on the data collected from a sample of blind persons matched with their sighted counterparts on the basis of certain variables. Apart from this a representative sample of the sighted from the general public who might or might not have come in contact with the blind was also taken separately. The opinions of the employers of the blind have also been incorporated in the study. The important areas covered here include demographic characteristics, physical mobility, social rehabilitation and social integration. One of the significant findings of this study is that the successful integration of the blind with the sighted depends on the extent of exposure of the blind to the sighted in their early years of life, their independence in physical mobility, their economic independence and self confidence in discharging their duties either as students or as workers. A thought provoking empirical study covering all important psychological and sociological aspects of integration of both blind as well as sighted. Mrs. Batra can speak with authority on this very contemporary subject by virtue of her first hand knowledge of the blind and the sighted in the course of her study. A significant contribution to the growing field of integration, this is the first of its kind to attempt a systematic assessment of the problems involved. Her observations have a greater force and validity as she has subjected the data to vigorous statistical analysis at a number of places. Both the specialist in the fields of social work, sociology and psychology as well as the lay reader should find this study of absorbing interest.
