To identify age-appropriate recreation and leisure activities for students with severe handicaps, 142 nondisabled seventh graders were surveyed. The survey identified favorite independent activities, activities with friends, activities with family, school activities, home activities, community activities, magazines, music groups, card and board…

An ecological survey is used to collect information about a wide range of variables that can influence a student's problem behavior. The survey enables teachers and parents to identify the settings and conditions in which behaviors are displayed, in order to develop an appropriate behavior change program. (JDD)

By recognizing the importance of early transitions for young children with handicaps and viewing transition as a lifelong process, professionals can guide parents in developing skills that can be applied to subsequent transitions throughout the child's life. Described are steps in the transition process, parents' transition skills, and expected…

The article outlines a guide to help special educators, parents, and adult service providers assist learning-disabled individuals in exploring employment and postsecondary options and enhance the transition planning process. Steps include developing an employability profile, identifying occupational areas to explore, and conducting exploration…

Interactions among parents and teachers are viewed from a transactional analysis (TA) perspective. Crossed transactions are depicted and adult-adult exchanges are cited as the bases of good parent/teacher relationships. (CL)

This article discusses the phenomenon of "latchkey kids" with disabilities and the shortage of after-school care options for children with special needs. General factors for consideration in the complexity of child care needs are discussed by way of an introduction to the following four articles. (PB)

Four statewide programs offering such services as help in selection, education, and awareness of assistive devices for disabled students are described: the Pennsylvania Assistive Device Center, MissouriLINC, the New Jersey Assistive Device Center, and the Center for Computer Opportunities for the Disabled (Massachusetts). A contact person is…

The value of homework for students with disabilities is examined, focusing on the relationship between the stages of learning (acquisition, proficiency, maintenance, and generalization) and the responsibilities of supervising individuals (special and regular education teachers and parents). Suggestions for effective use of homework assignments are…

This article explores potential risks faced by children with disabilities who are left at home alone. The importance of assessing children's needs and skills for safely staying home alone is stressed and suggestions offered for concepts to teach children, alternate methods of supervision, and other practical concerns. (PB)

Parents and educators can help special needs children develop skills for full, happy lives. Discussed are factors in successful adaptation of special needs learners to difficult environments, educators' challenges, and the complex interdependent nature of the task of educating special needs learners. Subsequent articles in this special issue are…

A coat was adapted for a 20-year-old severely handicapped woman to control her practice of "mouthing" her hands and clothing. Velcro strips attached to the coat held the student's arms down long enough to allow for differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior, which successfully reduced the rate of mouthing. (JDD)

Survival skills instruction for latchkey kids with special needs is discussed. Methods for cultivation of skills pertaining to physical well-being, accident prevention, emergency procedures, healthy lifestyles, and mental, social and emotional well-being are described. Sources of model programs and curriculum materials for self-care skills…

This article describes the characteristics of before- and after-school child care programs and deliniates the features needed to accommodate children with special needs. Potential ways to adapt current programs to fill this need and suggestions for design of future programs are discussed. Characteristics of effective programs are reviewed. (PB)