Microcomputers can serve as expressive communication tools for severely physically disabled persons. Features such as single input devices, direct selection aids, and speech synthesis capabilities can be extremely useful. The trend toward portable battery-operated computers will make the technology even more accessible. (CL)

Prize winners in The First National Search for Applications to Aid the Handicapped are highlighted. First prize of $10,000 was presented to Dr. Harry Levitt, hearing and speech professor at the City University of New York. He programmed a TRS-80 Pocket Computer for rapid communication by the deaf over telephones. (MP)

Third- and sixth-grade children (N=160) were shown slides and tapes presenting target children as either physically nonhandicapped and nonretarded, physically handicapped only, mentally retarded only, or physically handicapped and mentally retarded. All children were rated more favorably by third graders than sixth graders and more favorably by…

Provides a basic orientation for employers who are considering hiring a person with a physical disability for the first time. Topics discussed include attitude, interviewing, reasonable accommodation, and resources. (CT)

One stationary camera with an audio-video taping system permitted systematic comparisons of staff-initiated touching in relation to naturalistic variations in the physical appearances of patients, and the sex, age, and social statuses of interaction partners at a home for the Jewish aged. This procedure is discussed with regard to the…

Considered are the special needs of physically disabled adolescents and the development of community programs to serve these needs. Several New York City programs are described as examples of program development models. Noted is the lack of programs incorporating teens who use wheelchairs into mainstreamed programs. (DB)

Critically reviews research on developmental differences in reactions to the physically disabled in order to illustrate age-related influences and to provide a clearer conceptualization of such reactions. (Author/CM)

Investigated the extent to which able-bodied and disabled college student accept biblical notions associating sin and disability. A substantial minority believed sin can cause disability. People with the strongest agreement with biblical ideas had the least contact with the disabled. (Author)

The paper examines family responses to a physically disabled or chronically ill member, including both adaptive and pathological responses. An overview of how families deal with the stress of having an ill or disabled family member is given. The author suggests models of treatment and counseling guidelines that influence and actively involve…

Advice on how the school system can help the handicapped child start school by preparing the teacher, the child, and the class for being together. (Author/MLF)

Sexual adjustment of 19 individuals was measured before and four months after their coronary bypass surgery. Test variables were subject to an analysis of variance. Patients showed significant improvement in physical condition. Sexual adjustment, however, did not improve, as measured by the Structured and Scaled Interview to Measure Maladjustment.…

Increased participation in recreational programing by persons with handicapping conditions is a right that calls for significant changes in accessibility of facilities. Both interior and exterior building modifications must be made. (CJ)

Discusses the library services needed by mentally and physically impaired older adults and gives examples of such programs which are in existence in Maryland, including the traditional shut-in delivery service and the nontraditional group programing techniques. (LLS)

The use of edited videotape replay (which showed only "positive" behaviors) to improve the water skills of three spina bifida children (ages 5 to 10) was examined. A multiple baseline across Ss design was used, and behavioral changes were observed to occur in close association with intervention. One child was given successive…

Provides information from the ERIC system on creative dramatics activities, outlines their advantages for handicapped children, and suggests techniques for using creative dramatics with mentally, physically, and emotionally handicapped children. (DD)