Although economic analysis is complicated and has limitations, it is a workable method capable of producing a great deal of information about the value of early interventions. Procedures for conducting a cost analysis, cost-benefit analysis, or cost-effectiveness analysis are outlined, along with a review of the approach's advantages and…

This article reports results of a national survey of 629 veteran and 704 referred parents participating in Parent to Parent programs, noting the program's role as part of comprehensive family-centered services for parents of young children with special needs. The survey collected information about where programs are, services they provide, and…

Nine mothers of children with physical disabilities in Ireland participated in a 10-week training program that focused on social learning theory and identification and modification of undesirable child behaviors. Evaluation indicated reduced maternal stress and substantial reductions in identified problem behaviors. (DB)

Ratings of early intervention services by 91 Massachusetts and New Hampshire mothers and fathers of young children with disabilities indicated the services' high level of helpfulness. Mothers and fathers differed in their ratings, and the weighting of perceived benefits varied by child and family characteristics. (Author/JDD)

Comparison of residential rehabilitation outcomes of blind clients with (n=45) or without (n=67) previous psychiatric diagnosis found no intergroup differences after rehabilitation in skill, attitude, and overall adjustment. All clients improved significantly during rehabilitation. (DB)

This pilot study with eight beginning teachers examined the value of a mentorship program to assist novice special education teachers during their induction year. Results indicated that (1) perceptions of important mentor characteristics changed with training; (2) all novices valued having a mentor; and (3) most mentor-novice pairs met regularly.…

This study evaluated the extent to which individualized service plans (ISPs) for individuals with disabilities are consistent with established policies. Evaluation of 50 ISPs from Australian community residences for people with moderate to severe disabilities found major deficiencies in the plans, such as a lack of measurable objectives. (DB)

The effects of independent living training programs for 1,498 people with developmental disabilities were examined. After seven years, individuals who had received greater amounts of independent living services and improved/maintained their independent living skills were more likely to still live independently. There was no relationship between…

This article synthesizes 55 Quebec (Canada) pilot projects on mainstreaming of pupils with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, physical or sensorial handicaps, or mental handicaps, at preschool and elementary levels. It focuses on extent of integration, interventions, training and support for teachers, and evaluation methodology used.…

The Finnish system for persons injured at work or contracting industrial diseases is compared before and after legislative changes made in 1982, focusing on rehabilitation client selection, rehabilitation method effectiveness, and long-term vocational and economic outcomes. Data concerning longer term outcomes demonstrate that rehabilitation is…

This article reviews 30 years of experience with French immersion second-language instruction and concludes that most children with learning disabilities can benefit from the experience of a bilingual (immersion) education. For children with language handicaps who need to learn a second language, bilingual (immersion) instruction is better than…

The results from four early intervention evaluation studies are described in relationship to their impact on parent-child interaction. Intervention effects on child development were unlikely to occur unless mothers modified their style of interacting. Only their level of responsiveness was associated with positive developmental outcomes.…

Describes six programs: special-needs instructional support services, Lakeshore Technical College, Wisconsin; services for deaf and hard of hearing, Hinds Community College, Mississippi; program accessibility committee, Florence-Darlington Technical College, South Carolina; Project ABLE, Metropolitan Community College, Missouri; Center for Special…

Examined whether early intervention programs aimed at promoting the attainments of children with disabilities change the nature of the parent-child interaction. Finds that mothers adjust their vocal patterns when interacting with disabled children based on the nature of the interaction and age of the child. Notes implications for intervention…

Activities of Project OATS (Outcomes of Assistive Technology in the Schools) are described, including identification and piloting of existing assessment instruments for use as an outcome measure, examining the validity of the School Function Assessment, and field testing the School Function Assessment-Assistive Technology Version, an adaptation of…