Described are commonalities and differences between parents of children with cleft palate and rehabilitation professionals, and offered are suggestions to increase communication and joint effectiveness. (DB)

Excerpts from a paper on policies affecting chronically ill children touch upon such issues as the epidemiology of chronic childhood illness, organization of health services, costs of care, and financing of care. Principles underlying public policy are suggested, and issues for change in existing services are examined. (CL)

A chart is provided for use by teachers to assist in understanding the implications of the most widely used medications for school children. The chart lists the drug, the reason(s) for use, the problem or condition for which it is prescribed, and the side effects that might be noticed by teachers. (PHR)

France provides a model for the public-private-voluntary sector interaction with ventilator-dependent patients. The French regional associations are home ventilator care systems that have met the multiple needs of those concerned. (Author/CL)

The paper dispels some of the myths regarding cystic fibrosis (a genetic metabolism disorder), provides information on the latest developments in rehabilitation, summarizes research in the field, and projects future needs of the patient with cystic fibrosis. (SBH)

To aid in developing classifications of epileptics that would be predictive of day to day functioning, 369 epileptics were classified as having epilepsy only or epilepsy associated with intellectual disturbances or organic mental syndrome, other neurological handicap, or behavioral problems. (GW)

The paper examines family responses to a physically disabled or chronically ill member, including both adaptive and pathological responses. An overview of how families deal with the stress of having an ill or disabled family member is given. The author suggests models of treatment and counseling guidelines that influence and actively involve…

The sources and elements of a model for teaching persons with diabetes the importance of adhering to a prescribed regimen are discussed, including perceived threat of the disease, benefits of therapy, barriers to compliance, personal variables, individual state of health, and social pressures. (MC)

The article addresses methodological inconsistencies in identifying life adjustment needs of epileptic persons, emphasizes individual needs in vocational and emotional areas and parental needs for medical and parenting education, and makes recommedations for maintaining services with reduced funding. (Author)

Described is the 12- to 18-month residential treatment program at the Children's Asthma Research Institute and Hospital, a behaviorally oriented rehabilitation program for children who suffer from chronic bronchial asthma. (IM)

Informal weekly dance sessions conducted by physical therapists and dancers over a 3-year period provided therapeutic and recreational activity to physically handicapped adults. (CL)

An attempt was made to place 58 severaly disabled epileptic people in competitive employment. (Author/BD)