This keynote address argues that some efforts of early educational programs have, themselves, led to new risks for children. Issues discussed include the confusion between culture and development, services to poor children and families, and segregating young children with special needs. (JDD)

A national survey of 1,265 teacher educators found no significant differences in the attitudes of those in vocational education compared to special education concerning the employability of individuals with severe developmental disabilities in competitive, integrated work settings. Members of both groups had positive attitudes regarding the…

This study examined the social interactions and activities of 15 workers with mental retardation employed in supported competitive employment positions and 15 co-workers. Although the supported employees and co-workers did not differ in the total number of interactions, co-workers interacted more frequently during breaktime whereas supported…

A yearly "Friendship Games" day has been implemented at an Edmonton (Alberta) elementary school. The games focus on integration of students with and without disabilities in sports activities, many of which require cooperation. Examples of specific activities are listed (including materials needed, procedure, and scoring) and a suggested physical…

This article discusses mainstreaming of a student (age five) with physical, intellectual, visual, and suspected auditory impairments in her neighborhood school in Auckland, New Zealand. Comments of the people involved in the program, including the principal, teachers, teacher's aide, family members, and fellow pupils are reported; and the success…

Analysis of a public use microdata sample file from the 1980 census indicates that residential assimilation of Asian Americans was positively related to educational attainment and, to a lesser extent, to income. Although being foreign-born, nonnaturalized, or a recent immigrant were negatively related to residential assimilation, these traits were…

Describes and evaluates different approaches for implementing multicultural education programs, including assimilating foreign and minority students into the dominant culture, emphasizing intergroup communication, instructing students about individual ethnic or gender groups, promoting the value of cultural diversity, and accepting cultural…

This case study examines the interactions between a 14-year-old student with severe learning difficulties attending a special school and her nondisabled peers during weekly integrated sessions. It notes the sensitivity, but dominance, of the nondisabled children and the active involvement, though subservient role, of the special school student.…

The Young Scholars Program, a four-week intensive summer program of theater and dance that integrates deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing high school students, is described. The program emphasizes cultural diversity and experiential learning through field trips and student performances. (DB)

Analysis of questionnaire responses from 71 preschool teachers found that the more satisfied teachers were with the level of support and training they received regarding inclusion of children with disabilities, the more positive were their attitudes toward the inclusion concept. Self-perceptions of competency were also related to positive…

This study examined the extent to which parents (n=64) of adult children with a mental handicap encourage integration into the community and parental attitudes toward their children's friendships. Results suggested that these Irish parents accept a nonintegrated status quo and have relatively low aspirations for their children. (DB)

The "Open Road" project is a three-year supported employment program for adults with severe mental handicap in Dublin, Ireland. This paper describes the program's development of integrated day services; job development; program participants; and issues in program effectiveness such as family concerns, staff development, organizational…

This study investigated the effects of a peer-mediated intervention on the social interaction of five triads composed of preschoolers with autism and typical peers. Improved rates of social interaction during play were clearly associated with the peer intervention for four of the five children with autism. (Author/DB)

This study evaluated whether behaviors often taught as part of social skills training for individuals with mental retardation were judged favorably by 61 community judges. Results indicated that the skills of following instructions, accepting criticism, and negotiating were relevant to judgment of social performance and likely to be reinforced by…

This discussion looks at the functional curriculum approach to educating students with disabilities. It addresses identifying functional knowledge and skills, starting a functional curriculum, needs of students with disabilities for such a curriculum, and the relationship of the functional curriculum to the traditional curriculum and to inclusive…