Discusses criteria for selecting course-development software for multimedia distance-learning projects, particularly for business training. Course creation (including test generation), content delivery (including links to other applications, client software, and collaboration and communication capabilities), and administration and management…

Examines the roles and responsibilities of public schools in providing services to children with disabilities placed in private and parochial schools within the legal parameters of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Availability and nature of services, location of service delivery, and relevant court cases are discussed. (Author/CR)

This commentary reacts to an article that presented an agenda for educational change to encourage early childhood inclusion. It calls for a leadership agenda for the nation, agreement about inclusion as a feasible program model, development and dissemination of effective practices and evidence-based guidelines, family involvement, and increased…

A study of 50 boys with fragile X syndrome, their parents, and teachers, found early intervention started on average at 21.6 months and there was a steady increase in the amount of early intervention across age periods. Although parents reported satisfaction with services, most would have preferred more services. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This study compared the views of 11 general education elementary teachers whose remedial reading students participated in integrated pull-in programs with views of 11 colleagues with similar students served by pull-out programs. Intergroup differences included more positive attitudes toward pull-in programs by teachers experienced with them than…

Effective systems for moving individuals with autism through a continuum of services, applicable across various educational settings, are described, including specific examples of implementation strategies used in a large treatment center for individuals with developmental and neurological disabilities. Implementation strategies focus on providing…

This paper discusses paradigm shifts in the fields of mental retardation and developmental disabilities--toward facilities-based, services-based, supports-based, and empowering services. The nature of each paradigm shift and forces for change are highlighted. Discussion focuses on recommendations for professional practice in education and services…

This paper reviews literature on the support needed by families of infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). A survey of 94 California NICUs indicated that they generally provide comprehensive services to families while infants are in the hospital, less service during the transition home, and very little support and follow-up after the…

A survey of 224 early childhood special education public school programs in Massachusetts obtained information on program implementation, child characteristics, program settings, service characteristics, teacher characteristics, family involvement, and funding/administration. Results revealed important variations among school districts in…

Comparison of risk-adjusted odds of mortality of people with mental retardation living either in institutions or in the community in California from 1980 through 1992 estimated that mortality was 72% higher in the community than in institutions. Problems with health care delivery in the community were suggested as a reason for this difference.…

A study examined the opinions and practices of 28 speech-language pathologists specific to best practice communication-based service delivery for persons with severe disabilities. Pathologists reported to value highly and, to a lesser degree, to practice indicators of quality communication-based service delivery. Significant differences between…

Examines models, characteristics, and challenges of quality assurance in higher education in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, France, Finland, Italy, and Spain. Notes a common move toward institutional autonomy and output oriented steering, and the absence of accreditation procedures comparable to those in Anglo-Saxon countries. Finds…

This article describes how a disability culture perspective has informed research and early intervention serving parents with physical disabilities and their infants and an approach to research, resource development, and early intervention that has evolved in a community-based organization in response to the unmet needs of parents with…

Discusses a family-centered assessment and intervention approach that empowers and enables families in the selection and use of assistive technology by young children with disabilities. It considers key characteristics of parent/professional partnerships; child, family, technology, and service-system domains; and the use of culturally sensitive…

Analyzes current research on successful distance education programs. Reviews the learning communication process; identifies responsibilities of the deliverer: conduct a learner needs assessment, know how to use the technology, address multiple learning styles, promote interaction, project a friendly image, be a team player, operate from a systems…