Prevalence reports indicate approximately half of all children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a mild form of the disorder such as high-functioning autism, Asperger syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorder--not otherwise specified. These disorders are referred to collectively as high-functioning autism spectrum disorders…

This manual describes the "Friends" project, a year-long effort in Minnesota to develop methods for the staff of residential service agencies to support people with developmental disabilities in establishing friendships with nondisabled people in their communities. Six agencies around the state selected a total of 23 individuals (ages 11…

This guide presents a comprehensive framework for the development and provision of outdoor education and adventure programs for people of all abilities, including those who significantly challenge the service delivery system. Chapter 1 provides a rationale for the integration of disabled persons into outdoor education and adventure programs, and…

Developed as part of a study which attempted to integrate students with severe disabilities into regular recreational and leisure activities, this report focuses on integrating summer camps in the Greater Waltham (Massachusetts) area. It documents how a segregated camp for children and teens with disabilities can be closed down and the campers…

This guide promotes the use of natural supports to assist individuals with severe disabilities. The first two sections review the development of natural supports in the workplace, including changes in perspectives on the role of persons with disabilities, utilization issues, and the definition of natural supports. A seven-step process reflecting…

This report describes the development of integrated community services for people with severe disabilities by Job Path, a New York City agency which currently provides services to approximately 250 people. A current emphasis of the agency is increased consideration of the individual's life outside of the work setting. Critical factors in the…

Camps developing inclusive programs can incorporate ideas and strategies from a successful inclusive recreational program in Hong Kong. Strategies focus on participants' structured interactions, extensive personal contact, joint participation, equal status, cooperative interdependence, communication, and age-appropriate behaviors. Lessons learned…

Developed as part of a project to integrate youth with disabilities into regular recreational and leisure activities, this report focuses on the role of the community leisure facilitator (CLF), defined as a professional, friend, family member, or volunteer who assists individuals with disabilities to enjoy the same leisure pursuits as other…

This report describes the development of a community-based service for the implementation of augmentative and alternative communication strategies with regard to children with severe disabilities in South Africa. The intervention process was developed by the Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication of the University of Pretoria. The…

This booklet addresses issues concerning community-based rehabilitation (CBR) services for people with mental handicaps, especially in Africa. The first section explains CBR services, with subsections on overcoming exclusion, a definition, normalization and community participation, family participation, CBR and mental handicap projects in Africa,…

This article reviews reasons behind the full inclusion movement, concerns that have been raised about full inclusion, and elements necessary to implement successful inclusion programs. The efforts of a southwestern elementary school staff to implement inclusive education for students from culturally/linguistically diverse backgrounds and students…

This report examines the employment practices of Sears, Roebuck and Company, before and after the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By studying the corporate behavior of Sears, which employs an estimated 20,000 people with disabilities, the report attempts to stimulate discussion of the communication issues that Sears…

This report describes the experiences of one California nonprofit agency which evolved, in less than 3 years, from supporting 65 people with autism and other challenging behaviors in 13 group homes to supporting 57 people who live in their own homes. The report describes the program's initial focus on providing integrated services in the group…

The 1992 annual report provides an overview of activities undertaken by offices of the New York State Education Department to promote accessibility for people with disabilities to Department programs and services available to the public at large. It also summarizes accomplishments resulting from the collaboration of various Department offices…