Perceived quality of life was compared among 10 individuals with disabilities in supported community employment, 10 individuals in sheltered workshops, and 9 individuals without disabilities. Supported community employment was positively related to number of leisure activities, self-esteem, use of leisure time, involvement in activities, mobility,…

This paper describes two alternative strategies for fostering communication skills in preschool children with disabilities: one that teaches normally developing peers to use specific communication strategies when interacting with their less skilled classmates and one that teaches both normal and disabled preschoolers to enact sociodramatic play…

This paper describes Gordon Allport's contact theory (which contrasts effects of casual contact and contact leading to acquaintanceship) and the findings of social integration research. Theories are applied to fostering true social integration of hearing-impaired students being educated in mainstream settings. Educators are urged to maximize…

Eight children with severe disabilities and eight nonhandicapped peers were observed in their regular elementary school classrooms. Results indicated that children's social acceptance and opportunity for interaction were not uniquely associated with their status as individuals with severe disabilities, and suggest that implicit standards and…

This paper reviews literature on the use of cooperative learning strategies within integrated recreational activities to include children with severe disabilities. The review focuses on how recreation activities can be structured to maximize cooperative aspects, peer-participant characteristics, participant preparation, and sustaining the…

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…