This newsletter describes promising research in applying technology in the curriculum to improve learning opportunities for students with disabilities. Topics addressed include: (1) promoting access to early childhood curriculum; (2) considering assistive technology in the IEP; (3) using a web-based curriculum for elementary students with mild…

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance from the Department of Education. Laws enforced by OCR include: (1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin;…

This monograph reviews the research in linkages between schools and families of children with disabilities. An introductory section offers vignettes showing a typical school/home relationship of a family with a Down syndrome child in either 1958, 1978, or 1998. Part 1 considers what research has found about family functioning in terms of the…

Designed for high school students interested in careers in special education and related services, this guide outlines the role of the special education technology specialist. It addresses the nature of the work, the education required, personal qualities that technology specialists should have, job outlook and advancement, and how to prepare for…

Designed for high school students interested in careers in special education and related services, this leaflet outlines the role of the paraeducator. It addresses the nature of the work, the education required, personal qualities that paraeducators should have, job outlook and advancement, how to prepare for a career as a paraeducator, and…

Prior to 1975, children with disabilities had no federally guaranteed right to public education. In 1975, Congress passed public law 94-142, which guaranteed that all students regardless of their handicapped condition be taught in the least restrictive environment. In 1990, it was re-named the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Teachers…

Developed as a result of an institute on rehabilitation issues, this document is a guide to assistive technology as it affects successful competitive employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Chapter 1 offers basic information on assistive technology including basic assumptions, service provider approaches, options for technology…

This guide for French speakers describes the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process in Alberta, Canada. Different sections address: (1) components of the IEP; (2) when an IEP is necessary; (3) the process of developing the IEP (includes a flowchart); (4) how evaluation information is collected through the student, parents, professionals,…

A study tested a teacher training intervention designed to provide experimental teachers with peer support as well as specific principles and techniques for fostering active reading strategies in severely reading disabled adolescents. The study investigated whether and how changes in teaching result in changes in students' reading performance. The…

Intended for use by parents of infants, toddlers and preschoolers, this guide presents, in question and answer format, basic information about early intervention and special education services. Questions about services for the period from birth through 2 years include the following: "What are early intervention services?""What is an…

This study was designed to improve spelling performance of 17 mainstreamed elementary special education students by developing self-regulatory mechanisms and by training the regular classroom teacher and parents in ways to meet the handicapped student's learning needs. A variety of intervention techniques was employed including homework…

This discussion of special education and mental health services for minority severely emotionally disturbed children identifies several issues in service delivery and impediments to service delivery. The identified issues are divided into the following categories: program development, the coordination of services, and service delivery systems;…

Presented are the results of a study by and recommendations of the Virginia State Crime Commission to develop a program of appropriate education for jail inmates with disabilities. Four public hearings resulted in seven findings, including the following: federal law requires the states to provide special education to handicapped inmates;…

This school-age child care needs assessment was administered in September 1989 in Prince Georges County (Maryland) Public Schools special education centers and schools with special education wings. Disabilities among the 853 children attending the seven schools responding to the survey were mental retardation, orthopedic disabilities, and…

The present and future status of the related services component of Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, was studied. The purposes of this study were to determine whether or not: state educational agencies had provided or planned to provide written guidelines regarding specific related services; selected issues…