Qualitative research methods were used to examine practices at an elementary school providing inclusive schooling for students with and without disabilities. Findings indicated that systems change occurred slowly, intentionally, and with a collaborative process of decision making which stressed development of policies, conditions, and supports…

The "Open Road" project is a three-year supported employment program for adults with severe mental handicap in Dublin, Ireland. This paper describes the program's development of integrated day services; job development; program participants; and issues in program effectiveness such as family concerns, staff development, organizational…

This article describes three field-tested approaches to planning educational programs in inclusive settings for students who are deaf-blind, making decisions about support services, and developing lesson accommodations to include the students in typical class activities. (Author)

Leisure time planning for aging adults with mental retardation is still in its early stages. The article discusses related research, noting patterns of social support and interaction, leisure involvement, leisure related programs, and community integration. The challenge for the future will be to meet individual leisure needs with limited…

Using a technical assistance model, the New England Center Pilot Project provides training and consultation to programs serving young children who are deaf-blind in inclusive education settings (preschool, kindergarten, and first grade). This article discusses the model's four major components, salient issues, and recommendations to enhance…

This article describes a demonstration project that utilized 28 community early childhood programs as intervention placements for 30 preschool-age children with disabilities. Results suggested significant developmental gains for all children. Service delivery characteristics identified as necessary for the effective implementation of intervention…

Presents a model of integrated residential camping, providing a resource for other models. The model program creates an inclusionary environment responsive to the needs and interests of children with and without disabilities. Parental responses, anecdotal information on interactions, and descriptions of changes in attitudes are included. (SM)

This paper discusses the incidence of intellectual disability in the prison system of New South Wales, Australia; the management problems created for corrective services staff; prison programs offering work experience, interpersonal skills, and other skills; principles of normalization and the least restrictive alternative; special risks for…

Ability OnLine is a pilot electronic mail project designed to foster the self-esteem, social integration, and computer literacy of Canadian children and teens with disabilities. It is offered to both disabled and nondisabled students and their families on a Toronto, Ontario, private bulletin board system. (JDD)

Investigation of the social acceptance of 15 Zambian primary school children with intellectual disabilities by two groups of nondisabled children found that nondisabled boys who had experienced contact with the disabled children had more positive attitudes than boys with no contact. No exposure effects were observed among girls. Among the…

The State Center for Services for the Visually Impaired in Schleswig (Germany) provides intensive counseling and support to students with visual impairments in transition between school and career. The community-based program promotes vocational and social integration of these individuals through organization of a model vocational counseling…

This paper presents an example of "optimistic research," a qualitative approach which focuses on positive interventions helpful to practitioners, in this case an examination of programs successfully integrating people with severe disabilities. The study evaluated 40 programs through site visits which focus on observation, interviews, and…

Describes a model of comprehensive individualized support for young children (ages 24 to 48 months) with severe developmental disabilities, including autism, based on a triad of essential elements: (1) development of functional communication skills; (2) supported participation in socially inclusive environments; and (3) multifaceted family…