This article introduces a special issue dedicated to the mental and psychological health issues relevant to Mexican Americans or Chicanas/os. It identifies areas of research that reflect unifying themes, such as service delivery issues, influence of stereotypes, and the role of ethnic identity in psychological health. The goal is to raise…

This article comments on a study that used functional assessment to reduce behavior problems in a child with multiple disabilities (Kern and Vorndran, 2000). It suggests additional principles need to be incorporated into an expanded model if functional assessment is to have a truly positive influence on naturalistic treatment planning. (Contains…

Immigrant Chinese students (N=400) completed a questionnaire examining the relationship between psychological adjustment and cultural identity as determined by the strength of identification with their own ethnic group and mainstream society. Adolescents who were integrated had higher self-esteem than peers who were separated or marginalized.…

The social development of a female rhesus monkey was followed from birth until death, age 32 months. The monkey had an extra autosome and was hydrocephalic. The monkey showed serious motor deficiencies, delayed social development, poorly established dominance relationships, and heavy dependence on mother and kin. The monkey was, however, well…

This study of three high school students with severe disabilities in regular education classes found that regular class participation was an important source for meeting peers without disabilities who subsequently became members of students' social networks. Perceived quality of social contacts was not dependent on initial contact being made…

Reviews two dominant mechanisms for increasing multiculturalism within the undergraduate curriculum; philosophical differences among those advocates of multicultural curricular reform who perceive diversity as a critical perspective and those who perceive diversity as variety; and four structural constraints likely to affect diversity efforts:…

Considers the role played by imprisonment in relation to homelessness in particular and to marginal society participation in general. Observations are offered about the concept of the "underclass," and an analysis of the impact of current British social policies on the life course is provided, with special focus on young offenders. (JPS)

A woman with a developmental disability discusses self-advocacy, the need for self-advocates to be involved in professional organizations, and the need for professionals and society at large to be more inclusive in their attitudes and behaviors. (DB)

A man with autism discusses the need to accept autism instead of seeking a cure, help people with autism to the point where they can help themselves, and ensure adaptations are provided in inclusive schools. He advocates closing residential institutions, ending employment discrimination, and joining the disability rights movement. (CR)

Describes universal challenge programs, in which all participants, regardless of ability or disability, work as an integrated group. Discusses planning for participant needs and creating a physically and emotionally safe environment. Presents brief instructions for 12 universal activities, including games, problem-solving activities, and high and…

This study examined effects of participation in an integrated play group on the social skills of two 6-year-old twins with autism. Following intervention with adult coaching, typical peers implemented the play group techniques in weekly play group sessions. The autistic subjects showed dramatic increases in shared attention to objects, symbolic…

Discusses how, after 30 years of liberal education's focus on examining and celebrating diversity, the realities of contemporary social and civil life and global politics are prompting new interest in recognizing and affirming our genuine commonality. (EV)

This article aims to examine determinants of social integration in the community among college students. Two-wave panel data from an undergraduate student sample (N = 310) was used to explore the effects of multiple sets of variables (personal, interpersonal, and situational) on social integration in the community. Structural equation analysis…

This article discusses different aspects of social and societal membership, when minority groups of young immigrants living in Finland are under consideration. During its history, Finland has mainly been a country of emigration. In the 1990s the direction of moving turned to the contrary and the amount of immigrants in Finland increased relatively…

This article deals with pre-vocational education that was first implemented in Israel's educational system in 1955 in 7th and 8th grades of elementary school. The purpose of the article is to examine the role that this education played in making Israel's ethno-working class. This role emerged, we argue, through conflicting dynamics involving two…