Gestalt therapy is an existential helping approach that assumes human beings have the potential to choose their behavior and thus define their own meaning in life. Applying Gestalt theory, disabled persons can define the meaning of the disability to their total person. (Author)

A case study is presented of a 6-year-old cerebral palsy child who is unsuccessfully mainstreamed in a regular first grade class. (CL)

Many developing trends will have major impact on both trustees and physical plant administrators. Face-to-face contact between the two will help both and benefit the institutions, especially regarding accountability, technological change, and regulations on the handicapped. (Editor/LBH)

A specialist in electronic technology for the severely physically handicapped discusses various inventions that have proved helpful and cites cases in which electronic devices have enabled the severely disabled to become contributing members of the community. (GW)

The article discusses factors (such as underlying physical conditions, cognitive delay, emotional disturbance, and developmental stages) that affect the impact of pain on the exceptional child. (DB)

A systems-oriented approach to developing psychological services for children with orthopedic handicaps is based on community and ecological psychology principles and is grounded in: promotion of the individual's competencies; mutual interaction among the individual and his or her several environments; and intervention at organizational,…

A program to prepare elementary grade students for mainstreaming of handicapped students is described. An outline of objectives, student activities, and required media and materials to improve understand of hearing impairment, visual impairment, physical handicap, and learning disability are provided. (DB)

Telephone interviews with 48 parents of young adults with mental and physical disabilities found parents identified their greatest planning needs in the areas of living situation, socialization, and employment. There was a positive relationship between planning for adult needs and family functioning. (Author/DB)

The article describes the need for therapeutically designed and prescribed seating systems for cerebral palsied and severely physically handicapped children. Related issues discussed include muscle tone problems, beginning proper positioning early, needs evaluation by parents and clinical team members, and selecting a seating system. (JW)

The article describes the role of the adaptive equipment professional as a team member in the comprehensive clinical evaluation of a disabled child's need for adaptive equipment. These individuals represent companies that sell wheelchairs, seating systems, and other adaptive products. Issues such as maintenance and repair of equipment are also…

A mother of a 17-year-old son with spina bifida recounts the family's experiences camping in the Adirondack Mountains. Her son has enjoyed swimming, modified waterskiing, riding to the top of a mountain during the summer on a ski chair lift, and blueberry picking from a toboggan rather than his wheelchair. (VW)

The study investigated the nature of appropriate and inappropriate interaction behaviors between 91 college professors (74 with experience teaching disabled students) and 38 physically disabled students. Among findings was that professors who had taught disabled students were more comfortable with such students and interested in teaching them in…

Proposes six guidelines for art educators working with mentally and physically challenged children and youth. Discusses the use of a multicultural approach to art education and age-appropriate materials. Concludes that these guidelines will provide mentally and physically challenged youth with improved opportunities to learn art. (GEA)

Discusses the role of the elementary school counselor in working with children who have cerebral palsy. Describes interventions for physical and emotional problems and provides recommendations for meeting the needs of children and their parents. (JAC)

Epileptic children may have physical and emotional needs which can interfere with learning and socialization. Current prevalence estimates, definitions, and classifications of epilepsy are surveyed. Factors affecting the epileptic child's school performance and specific learning problems are addressed. Specific roles are presented for school…