This essay reviews Vygotsky's work on defectology. First, Vygotsky's cultural heritage as a Jew during the transformation from Tsarist Russia to the Soviet Union is considered as a factor in his views on defectology and inclusion. The review then outlines his perspective on the "defect," including his definition of "defect," his view of the…

Much of the work in youth violence prevention has been based in a public health model and guided by a developmental-ecological perspective on risk and prevention (Bronfenbrenner, 1979, 1988). A central tenet of developmental-ecological theory is that individual development is influenced by the ongoing qualities of the social settings in which the…

Views disability as opportunity for reframing physical and emotional difficulties. Explores strategies for facilitating personal healing and empowerment, including self-forgiveness and positive self-talk. (Authors/CM)

The paper argues that education is essentially the same activity for all people with or without disabilities. The argument is founded on John Dewey's theory of education, with its emphasis on the process of making sense of experience, and Paulo Friere's view of education as liberating people to become more fully human. (JDD)

This paper reflects on the motivations for doing photography and examines the therapeutic use of photography with various populations. The paper provides an account of how one person was trained as a teacher in the early 1970s but could not find work. He moved into and then out of social work with the elderly in Chicago. Having learned photography…

The mother of a young child with a life-threatening respiratory disorder recounts her personal growth in learning lessons of acceptance, the value of each moment, the courage to change, and love. (DB)

Norman Kunc, consultant on educational and disability issues, discusses his early segregated education and perceived devaluation due to his cerebral palsy; the intrusion of therapies into his daily schedule; and the sometimes assaultive nature of physical therapy. Kunc views his disability as a characteristic of his personal diversity and…

Working in a special needs camp does not require extra-human qualities, it's a matter of changing attitudes. Working with special needs campers presents unique challenges, especially for international staff, but the rewards are proportional to the risks. Working with special needs children is also an opportunity to gain valuable life experiences…

Theme articles focus on FFA (Future Farmers of America) conventions and contests. They examine FFA as an extracurricular versus intracurricular activity, keeping competition in perspective, contests as student motivators, how a sponsor views FFA, improving the teaching of leadership, benefits of FFA participation, the needs of disadvantaged and…

The paper describes the conflict between parental responsibility for a handicapped child, particularly a retarded child, and the parents' other interests and concerns. Swedish parents (N=60) of retarded children were interviewed once and three families were interviewed several times over a 6-month period. Parents typically went through a period of…

An analysis of five funding competitions sponsored by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the area of secondary special education and transitional services research found that the projects have not emphasized community-level change to facilitate lasting improvements in youths with disabilities and have not taken a…

Recent initiatives such as PL99-457 and Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) require school psychologists to broaden their knowledge base in areas critical to problematic development in early childhood. This mini-series is designed to assist school psychologists in provisions of collaboration with other health professionals to enhance efficacy…

Women ranging in age from 10 to 80 tell how the challenge of participation in strenuous sports and outdoor activities has contributed to their sense of accomplishment and personal growth. Activities of three groups which specialize in outdoor activities for women are also described. (PP)

A study examined the impact of specialized, residential camp programs on children and youth with disabilities. Case studies were used to describe the real-life context of program effects and to explore various effects in situations where there may be no clear, single set of outcomes for all participants. Fifteen specialized residential summer camp…

Notes that although much has been written about widening access to recurrent education during the 1970s, much less has actually been done. Identifies the educationally and socially deprived and states the problems which educational broadcasting could help to overcome for these groups. (Author/CSS)