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…

Describes the levels of second-generation Korean-American adolescents' (n=approximately 237) cultural, social, and psychological dimensions of attachment and examines the major factors highly correlated with two of the dimensions of ethnic attachment: use of the Korean language and Korean friendships. Findings support the view that high levels of…

A survey of 53 employers found they were quite capable of providing workplace accommodations for workers with significant disabilities, drawing on existing employer resources. Employers are going beyond compliance with federal law and responding to needs in areas such as career advancement, changing something about a job, and social integration.…

Describes the success of various school projects which focused on Aboriginal culture. Suggests these projects encouraged parental involvement and also gave the entire Aboriginal community new respect, pride, and sense of ownership of their school. (NH)

A model relying on state institutions and schools for its transmission, the Republican model, has strongly influenced the perception and treatment of immigrants in France. An analysis of contemporary French schooling shows that the model is still producing cultural assimilation but is less successful in promoting the economic and social…

Elementary school children (N=203) in multiple settings across five years were interviewed and/or surveyed regarding their participation as members of social skills groups and peer network activities with children with autism (N-38). Most children enjoyed the programs, felt they benefited academically and/or socially, and had positive attitudes…

A survey of 23 specialist and 49 mainstream Scottish teachers, 22 with experience of autism, 27 without, investigated attitudes towards inclusion. A minority of mainstream respondents believed children with autism should be integrated where possible. Mainstream teachers with experience of autism showed more confidence. Specialist teachers were…

This article describes adulthood in general and that of individuals with severe cognitive impairments. It examines traditional roles, rites, and rituals of adulthood, including: voting, marriage, consensual sex, and moving out. How one parent intends to assist her daughter in accessing these markers of adulthood is discussed. (Contains…

Examines social and cultural experiences of adolescent females belonging to various south Asian immigrant groups in Canada. Study determined that the family and community structures remained male dominated. Adolescent girls perceived a high social cost attached to protest; they therefore accepted the prevalent conditions and expected to change the…

Provides a list of microform and CD-ROM titles that document America's cultural diversity. Each entry's topic is described as well as publisher's information and price, if applicable. (GR)

The friendship status of 58 preschoolers with disabilities in inclusive child care settings in North Carolina was examined. The majority of children were found to have at least one friend. Associated factors included diagnosis, developmental level, behavioral characteristics, characteristics of the friend, similarities between the child and the…