This article describes the results of a disabled children's childhood studies analysis of Section 1414 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004), which outlines definitions and procedures related to evaluations, eligibility determinations, individualized education programs (IEP), and educational placements for disabled children in…

This study discusses the results of a collaborative action research project in a multi-disciplinary school for children with disabilities. The aim was to alter practices and views of the professionals concerned in order to promote the inclusion of four children in mainstream schools. Three interrelated programmes were designed and implemented over…

This paper illustrates the positivistic nature of person-centered planning (PCP) that is evident in the planning methods employed, the way that individuals with disabilities are described, and in portrayal of the outcomes of PCP. However, a confluence of factors can lead to manifestation of excessive positivism that does not serve PCP…

This resource guide is intended to help in the development of disability awareness programs by school personnel or parent groups in Arizona. A step-by-step format is recommended, including first selecting the type of disability awareness program to be developed. This involves setting up meetings with the special education administrator,…

As an echo of the worldwide movement of inclusive education and because of the conviction of inclusive ideas, special education in Taiwan is moving toward a goal of inclusion, though not necessarily full inclusion. While its terminology is as yet undesignated, principles and strategies are significantly reflected in the Special Education Act and…

The manual describes a variety of media approaches in the United States, Hong Kong, India, and Pakistan to changing attitudes toward the disabled. Four principles of media communications are stressed: (1) children's television is an important vehicle for changing attitudes; (2) it is vital to know the audience; (3) active participation by the…

Provides guidance for teachers and administrators in developing and implementing ability awareness programs designed to foster greater understanding of people with disabilities and increase students' sensitivity toward individual differences. Topics include choosing a program coordinator, establishing a committee, planning meetings, clarifying…

This feasibility study sought to determine the need and the appropriateness of a self-contained training package which would help existing leadership programs integrate youth with disabilities into their services. The study involved a review of the literature; interviews with 19 experts and practitioners; focus group discussions to solicit student…

Intended as a tool for staff development and inservice education of guidance and counseling personnel, the document includes modules and information on staff development. Each of the six modules includes rationale, training/learning objectives, training/learning activities, resources, and a bibliography. Modules have the following authors and…

Troubled by students' attitudes toward disabled children, a Florida elementary school principal asked special education teachers to brainstorm some awareness activities. The resulting program, Handicapped Awareness through Stimulation (HATS), had four objectives: sensitizing students, providing interaction opportunities, developing empathy, and…

One of a series of guides on implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this guide focuses on cultural diversity and the ADA. First, the major components of the ADA are summarized. This is followed by discussion of employer considerations in addressing cultural diversity issues and implications of the ADA, such as diversity…

Scanlon and Baggett suggest a basic rationale for serving handicapped students. Downey reviews programs offered to disadvantaged and handicapped at Valley Vocational Technical Center, Fishersville, Virginia. Other articles focus on greenhouse crop production, support services in Pennsylvania, accommodation of the physically handicapped student,…

This collection of 16 papers attempts to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of children in the nations of the Americas. The collection's five sections examine children's rights, perspectives of five parents from five different nations, children with disabilities in the legal system, promoting the rights of children through social…

The Special Education Division of the California State Department of Education funded six pilot programs as part of a state-legislated Awareness Program. The goal of the programs was to make nonhandicapped students in grades K-8 aware of the special problems encountered by disabled persons. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Awareness…

Responding to research indicating that more concentrated efforts and innovative approaches are needed to change the negative teacher and student attitudes toward the disabled in mainstreamed classrooms, the pilot program described in this paper was designed to foster communication between the regular classroom teacher and the special education…