The transition from school to adulthood is a pivotal time in the lives of all students. For a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), change of any kind can be challenging, and a transition as momentous as this can seem especially daunting. Thoughtful planning, sound information, and open communication will help parents support young adults…

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…

A seven-step procedure designed to direct and encourage inservice staff development presentations by special services personnel is described. Steps include needs assessment, analysis of logistics, development of objectives, arrangement for incentives, preparation of content/format materials, presentation, and evaluation. (Author/DB)

To meet the needs of the handicapped, vocational training programs for handicapped people should provide individuals with technical, personal, social, and communication competencies. As competition for Federal funds becomes more acute, questions will increasingly focus on program effectiveness. Data on young deaf adults, even with professional or…

Successful collaboration and problem solving are the foundational processes on which meaningful transition plans are constructed. This article discusses the process of planning for the transition from school to adult life for students with disabilities and suggests that person-centered planning is an ideal vehicle for promoting collaboration and…

Panda bears are the theme of this guide which includes many reading-related activities, crafts, and programs on a broad range of topics, and which can be expanded to other theme approaches such as endangered species, bears in general, and the concept of black and white. The program begins with a general definition and discussion of goals,…

This article reviews definitions of quality of life; explores the subjective nature of life quality for people with disabilities; relates the concept to cultural norms and universal human values and needs; explores the optimal theory of personal well-being; and surveys the source and use of research and implications for planning and evaluating…

Guidance coordinators in secondary schools (n=100) in New Zealand were surveyed concerning guidance services for special needs students, focusing on types of guidance staff available, their involvement with special needs students, service changes over time, and satisfactions and dissatisfactions. Findings related to the roles and resourcefulness…

This consumer education module is designed to provide consumers of mental health services with the skills necessary to participate in the development and delivery of services. The module is intended for use by both the mental health practitioner or consumer advocate and the mentally disabled individual. One preliminary unit and seven activities,…

This fact sheet presents the needs and characteristics of handicapped adults as an aid in developing and adapting educational programs. Following a discussion of the desire which adult educators feel to provide opportunities for all students, four general problem areas are described: attitudes of others, lack of mobility, diminished cognitive or…

A developing concern in Minnesota for the fact that a greater percentage of special needs students than non-special needs students tends to drop out of postsecondary vocational education prompted a project to promote articulation--transition--for these students into postsecondary education. A statewide survey was conducted to determine current…

Examines strategies for developing challenging but appropriate programs for children with disabilities. Discusses the importance of identifying and understanding the particular needs of individual children; developing appropriate routines; maintaining ongoing communication with, and the involvement of, family members; and playing an active support…

The increasing number of individuals infected with symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has created a need to examine public policy issues and to further efforts in planning, implementing, and evaluating services for individuals with HIV infection and their families. A working conference was convened, which identified several…

Community and educational organizations are provided with guidelines for complying with the National Endowment for the Arts 504 Regulations for incorporating the needs of the disabled into programming efforts. Information is presented in three chapters. Chapter 1 focuses on the 504 regulations. Following an introduction, subsections describe the…

Comprehensive vocational assessment needs to become an integral part of vocational programming in secondary and postsecondary schools, since it is crucial in developing appropriate individualized education plans for students with special needs. A prime focus for vocational assessment should be entrance into vocational education courses. It should…