This paper is focused on three basic questions: The first concerns when specific disabilities first appeared during human evolution. The second question has to do with causes of disabilities. The third question concerns social responses to people with disabilities. Discussions on each of the issues are presented.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a neurogenetic developmental disorder that presents with progressive muscular weakness. It is caused by a mutation in a gene that results in the absence of specific products that normally localize to muscle cells and the central nervous system (CNS). The majority of affected individuals have IQs within the…

The 1992 NIH Research Planning Conference on Prosthetic and Orthotic Research for the 21st Century (Childress, 1992) recognized that the field of prosthetics lacks theoretical understanding and empirical studies on learning to control an upper-extremity prosthesis. We have addressed this problem using a novel approach in which persons without…

In the last decade there has been an increase in empirical research on coaches of elite able-bodied athletes, while coaches of athletes with a disability have generally been overlooked. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to address this oversight by examining the career evolution and knowledge of these coaches. Six elite coaches of…

There is extensive discussion on the quality of education and support for individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) in relation to inclusion and full citizenship. The discussions are complicated because of differences or lack of clarity in the description of the variations and types of PIMD. A description of the core…

In an earlier study of disabled graduates from campus-based institutions in the UK, students who had previously declared that they had an unseen disability were less likely to obtain good degrees (with first-class or upper second-class honours). The present study investigated the role of disability as a factor in the attainment and experiences of…

This study investigated the effect of the disability labels: learning disabilities (LD), physical disabilities (PHD) and emotional and behavioural disorder (EBD), on United Arab Emirates public school general education and special education teachers' willingness to refer and place students in gifted and talented programmes. A total of 269…

This document highlights strategies for teaching science students with common learning disabilities. For each learning disability listed, there are sections on courtesy and several teaching methods with mitigative teaching strategies. Highlighted disabilities include Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Emotional Disabilities, Epilepsy, Hearing…

This is a descriptive listing of periodicals available in special media to blind and physically handicapped persons throughout the country. Part 1 lists all magazines produced by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) for its free reading program. Magazines listed in Part 1 are available at no charge through…

The brochure provides suggestions for adapting or building living quarters to accommodate persons with physical limitations. Encouraged is barrier-free universal design to allow all persons, disabled or able bodied, to move freely, independently, and safely in their surroundings. Illustrations and text provide guidance for design of ramps, front…

This newsletter issue describes 3-wheeled scooters and van lifts that can assist a person with a disability to drive independently or have access to transportation. The section on van lifts compares hydraulic lifts and electric lifts, lists manufacturers, and offers an "assessment quiz" outlining factors to consider in selecting a van…

An evaluation of the E-Z cassette player was conducted for the National Library Service (NLS) for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to determine if the player is suitable for readers who either had no previous experience with cassettes or who cannot operate a standard NLS cassette player. Players were distributed to volunteer library patrons…

The ICD Research Utilization Laboratory received a five-year RSA grant in 1970 to act as a catalytic interface between research and practice for the rehabilitation of special client populations. The present thrust is to demonstrate how management practices can be improved in programs for vocationally vulnerable populations. This article describes…