Changes in wheelchair design (such as larger tires and lighter overall weight) make it possible for disabled persons to exercise more mobility and control and participate in a greater variety of recreational activities. (CL)

This article presents qualitative results of the first three years of the New Mexico Laptop Learning Initiative (NMLLI). Results suggest that teachers, students, and their communities support this initiative to improve student learning. Descriptive statistics were used during year two to further understand how the laptops were being used by…

Twenty-four manufacturers of wheelchairs in the United States, along with one in Canada, are listed with addresses and telephone numbers, including toll-free telephone numbers when available. (PB)

This article offers an overview of factors important in positioning the child with physical disabilities including proper techniques, multidisciplinary assessment, selection of equipment, trying equipment, and ongoing team evaluation. Specific terms concerned with clinical aspects, seating, standing, and seating components are defined. (DB)

This booklet offers information regarding adaptive equipment for positioning and mobility of children with disabilities from birth to age three, with reproducible pages discussing and illustrating particular positioning systems. Types of equipment are organized by position, including equipment for prone, supine, side lying, seating, standing,…

Tips on purchasing wheelchairs are offered to parents. Selection considerations such as weight, transporting, folding, lift and school bus accessibility, maintenance, and power supply needs are considered, as are features impacting comfort and therapeutic appropriateness. Roles of dealers, therapists, other parents, and wheelchair manufacturers in…

Forty-two U.S. companies that manufacture or distribute wheelchair carriers, van lifts, and ramps are listed, with addresses and telephone numbers. (PB)

This guide for Michigan parents of children with physical disabilities provides a synopsis of information and suggestions on school bus transportation gained from a series of four workshops. Topics covered include: (1) planning (determining just what the student's special transportation needs are by the Individualized Educational Planning…

Counseling helped parents of a mobility-impaired 16-year-old recognize her need and struggle for independence, first indicated by her refusal to participate in the family vacation. Counseling helped both parents and the daughter to appreciate the other's viewpoints and to change the ways in which they dealt with family problems and communication.…

This booklet examines what Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is and how it can influence the independence of a child with visual impairment or blindness. The booklet is divided into four sections--Reaching, Crawling, Walking, and Cane Use. In each section, terminology used by O&M specialists is explained, including "senses,""environment,""travel,"…

This overview provides basic information on the causes of deaf-blindness and the particular challenges faced by individuals who are deaf-blind. Causes of deaf-blindness include various syndromes, multiple congenital anomalies, prematurity, congenital prenatal dysfunction, and various postnatal causes. Differences between people deaf-blind from…

This document collects the 12 monthly issues of Volume 30 of "Exceptional Parent," a magazine focused on practical advice for parents of children with disabilities. Most issues include a focus topic as well as articles on other issues, columns, reviews, and letters. The issues focus on the following areas: (1) an extensive resource guide; (2)…

This overview provides basic information on the causes of deaf-blindness and the particular challenges faced by individuals who are deaf-blind. Causes of deaf-blindness include various syndromes, multiple congenital anomalies, prematurity, congenital prenatal dysfunction, and various postnatal causes. Differences between people deaf-blind from…

Practical information on children with muscular dystrophy is intended to help parents and teachers facilitate their inclusion in mainstreamed classrooms. Major topics addressed include the following: transportation arrangements; providing full information to the teacher regarding the child's specific abilities and physical limitations;…

These 12 issues of "Exceptional Parent" present a variety of articles and other information relevant to parents of children with disabilities. The January issue provides an annual directory of national organizations, associations, products, and services. Other monthly issues each have several articles relating to a particular theme,…