Dyslexia is a term that has been applied since the early part of the 20th Century to many students with reading difficulties. The term comes from medicine, but its broadest application is within education. Many educators, however, remain confused about the term in spite of the fact that major advances in the understanding of dyslexia have been…

This article provides a comprehensive account of the Romanian rehabilitation service delivery system. After a short presentation of disability issues during communism, the article shifts focus to a detailed review of current advancements in disability policy and legislation, prevalence, diagnosis, service delivery system and procedures, and…

Education is a fundamental right for all children which must be guaranteed in every nation. Unfortunately, children with disabilities have been marginalized in many countries preventing them from accessing an appropriate education. Although some countries have legislation that guarantees educational rights to children with disabilities, some of…

The awareness and knowledge of developmental milestones among health practitioners need to be enhanced to better enable early identification and intervention with children who have delays in development, intellectual deficit, and developmental disabilities and are residents in low-and middle-income countries. To meet this end, a simple one-page…

At least 60% of children with disabilities have multiple disabilities including visual impairments (VI). Because the visual system is neurologically based, any problems of the neurological system will also likely affect vision. The estimated number of students with VI and additional disabilities has increased significantly over the years. Since…

The inclusion of young children with disabilities has remained a function of the Head Start program since its inception in the 1960s when the United States Congress mandated that children with disabilities comprise 10% of the Head Start enrollment (Zigler & Styfco, 2000). Standardized, norm-referenced tests used to identify children with…

Ms. K. has attended ABE (Adult Basic Education) classes for almost one year and has had significant difficulty in making progress in reading. She has passed some of the GED tests, but has struggled with others due to having insufficient time to complete them. She currently works as a teacher's aide in a daycare center. Her goal is to pass the GED…

Students with fine motor problems can benefit from occupational therapy. Yet not all students receive the services because of a lack of teacher awareness about the problems and the services. This study aims to evaluate a workshop designed to improve teacher awareness about fine motor problems and occupational therapy. The study involved three…

This abstract summarizes trends in disability rates from 1970-1994 data obtained in the National Health Interview Survey. Trends indicate a gradual rise in the prevalence of disability due to demographic shifts associated with an aging population, as well as a rapid increase that has taken place during the past several years due to a greater…

An analysis of ratings of primary symptoms (hyperactivity and inattention) and secondary symptoms (self-esteem deficits and delinquent behavior) that are thought to arise from the hyperkinetic child's flawed interaction from his environment. Such an analysis could produce separate groups of clusters of symptoms descriptive of the hyperkinetic/MBD…

Parents can prepare their preschoolers for educational assessment by: determining reasons for the assessment; collecting relevant information and questions for the assessment team; discussing the testing program with their children and making sure they are comfortable; and discussing assessment results fully with the professionals when they have…

Interviews with 39 classroom teachers regarding referral practices revealed disparities with federal policy regarding protections to assure fairness in the identification and placement process. Policy alternatives are posed. (CL)

The article contains suggestions for assessing and instructing culturally and linguistically different students with special emphasis on ways to distinguish the learning disabled from students who differ due to cultural and linguistic background and the need to focus on students' strengths and previously gained knowledge. (Author/DB)

When culturally different children are referred for suspected emotional/behavioral disorders, their native cultural customs and beliefs must be considered. Examples of withdrawn, defensive, disorganized, and aggressive behaviors are cited. (CL)

The background and effects of Luke S. and Hans S. vs. Nix et al, a class action suit in Louisiana are discussed. The resulting changes in assessment practices, includng prereferral intervention, curriculum based assessment, and state-wide inservice training for assessment staff are noted. (Author/CL)