Reviews the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act which is designed to improve accessibility of programs and services for a diverse group of people. Provides information that will help interpreters improve the accessibility of their programs. (DDR)

A school counselor recounts the case of a gifted 14-year-old with rheumatoid arthritis and a destructive home situation, to remind teachers that in-school problems have out-of-school roots and that the teacher is not the only professional available to, and concerned with, the well-being of the student. (DB)

Compared closure outcomes for clients with psychiatric disabilities (N=500) with those for clients with physical disabilities (N=500) served by the vocational rehabilitation system. Results indicated that positive rehabilitation outcomes occurred for the physically disabled clients at a better than 2:1 ratio as compared to those for clients with…

Surveyed 121 physically disabled college students to examine their perceptions of their occupational future. Results indicated that, although majority of students held high career aspirations, many sensed their career goals may be unattainable. Additional findings showed that most respondents preferred careers that involved working with people and…

A case study follows the development of phonologic abilities in a child with Prader-Willi syndrome, during her enrollment in language and phonologic remediation from age 2:7 to 6:1. Changes in her phonetic inventory, in the set of phonemes used correctly, and in phonologic processes are described. (Author/JDD)

The study investigated the effectiveness of an instructional program designed to promote independent walking in a mentally and physically handicapped (cerebral palsied) preschooler involving a collaborative effort between a behavior therapist and a physical therapist in an interdisciplinary setting, a public school. (Author/DB)

Tips on purchasing wheelchairs are offered to parents. Selection considerations such as weight, transporting, folding, lift and school bus accessibility, maintenance, and power supply needs are considered, as are features impacting comfort and therapeutic appropriateness. Roles of dealers, therapists, other parents, and wheelchair manufacturers in…

Forty-two U.S. companies that manufacture or distribute wheelchair carriers, van lifts, and ramps are listed, with addresses and telephone numbers. (PB)

This feasibility study examined 11 teleworking arrangements for people with severe physical disabilities in Ireland, over periods ranging from 6 to 18 months. Outcomes suggest teleworking is a feasible form of employment for such persons provided they are appropriately selected and trained and suitable work is identified and managed by employers.…

This paper describes an effective systems approach for conducting physical therapy inservice training. The approach requires that the problem area be selected by staff consensus, and consists of eight elements such as "prioritizing needs" and "constructing performance measures." The approach is applied to planning and administering therapeutic…

The performance of four direct service providers in feeding, positioning, and transferring physically disabled patients was measured. Use of written instructions led to slight and usually brief changes in performance. The introduction of feedback, especially a continuous schedule, resulted in marked improvements which were maintained. (Author/JDD)

Explains how important it is for educational facilities planners to refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines when designing science classrooms, so every student can have the opportunity to experiment with science firsthand. Addresses how to work with the guidelines, and specific areas of concern. (GR)

Offers advice on washroom compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Title III (ADA) regulations during school construction and renovation projects. Critical issues concerning bathroom accessibility and practical solutions in washroom design are discussed. Other recommended, non-ADA restroom design guidelines for elementary schools are…

This study examined the effectiveness of activities associated with transdisciplinary teaming and integrated therapy on targeted motor responses of three elementary age students with multiple disabilities during the general education classroom routine. All three students immediately increased and maintained their target motor responses under the…

Osteoporosis screening of 107 adults, ages 40 to 60, with mental retardation who attended community-based training centers found 21 percent had osteoporosis and 34 percent had osteopenia. The most significant predictor of lower bone mineral densities were Down syndrome, mobility status, and race. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)