The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. This issue is the "50th Anniversary Edition." Contents include: (1) IDRA Milestones Across Five Decades to…

Assistive technology (AT) for students with visual impairments (VI) is an essential part of their educational program. AT allows students to develop skills, engage in the academic environment, and function independently. Despite the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandate for AT as part of a student's Individualized Education…

It is report card time at your child's school. You are curious as to how your child is being perceived and how well the teacher is meeting his or her needs. As you expect, there is a neat line of good grades. At the bottom is written this note: "(Your child) is doing well on her school work, but she does not suffer fools gladly."…

This guide is designed to help college-bound student-athletes and their families understand the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules for progressing from being a high school athlete to a student-athlete in college. Students are encouraged to work closely with high school counselors, recruiters and college admissions officers to…

The annual directory of organizations includes approximately 300 national organizations, professional associations, and government agencies listed by handicapping condition or state, and about 60 private schools serving individuals with handicapping conditions, listed by state. (DB)

This annual directory lists approximately 70 national organizations offering information and advocacy to professionals and parents of children with disabilities, national organizations for 85 specific disabilities and conditions, 35 federal agencies, organizations serving 17 professions, and parent training and information centers for each state.…

Currently, at least one child in five is overweight. Although children have fewer health problems from weight than adults, overweight children are at high risk for many health problems including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. Several factors are cited as to why children become overweight. Genetics, lack of exercise, and…

This book presents a critical analysis of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). This accreditation organization has been in existence for 50 years and claims to accredit approximately 700 teacher education programs that prepare two-thirds of the nation's teachers. There is no convincing research, however, that…

This theme issue provides four articles that address family involvement in the transition of youth with disabilities from school to work. The first article, "Family Involvement" by Marge Goldberg and Shauna McDonald, offers evidence of the importance of family involvement at this stage of the individual's life, reports on families' experiences,…

Grandparents will often realize--even before parents--that a child is gifted, and that the child will need additional emotional and intellectual sustenance. Features of this book include: (1) Early signs of giftedness; (2) Special needs and areas of concern; (3) Unique roles of grandparents; (4) Building a bond with a grandchild; (5) Maximizing…

Serving as a reference for parents and professionals who live and work with disabled children, this resource section lists state directors of special education, national disability-related organizations (United States and Canada), parent coalition groups, government agencies; professional organizations, a calendar of annual meetings, and a…

This guide is intended to help parents of adolescents and adults with mental retardation to teach their sons and daughters about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). An official resolution on AIDS adopted by The Arc, an organization for citizens with mental retardation, begins the guide. This…

Intended for parents of preschool children with visual or physical disabilities, this reference circular lists organizations offering materials and services at the national level as well as books available from standard commercial outlets. The first section lists 14 organizations providing special format materials (Braille, cassettes, large print,…

This directory lists 96 organizations that provide information, services, and/or referral to parents, educators, persons with disabilities, and others concerned with disabilities. Organizations are grouped according to their primary emphasis, as follows: (1) general disability information; (2) information for families; (3) legal rights and…

Shared leadership is a process empowering parents to exercise their civil rights, build leadership skills, and guide the design of policy positions and programs meant to improve their lives and the well-being of their children. Based on principles of family support practice, this book describes how to plan and host a 1- to 3-day shared leadership…