Developed in response to the complex problems involved in providing equal educational opportunities for the intellectually alert orthopedically handicapped, the PLATO Programmable Terminal Keyset (PPTK) system makes the resources of PLATO compatible to the functional problems of a wide range of orthopedic conditions. This report describes the…

One of a series of materials developed by Project APT (Administrators, Parents, and Teachers/Assessment, Programing, and Training), a program designed to foster home/school coordination in educational planning and program implementation for severely mentally retarded and/or multiply handicapped students; the booklet provides information on…

Discusses barriers individuals face in using computers in the classroom and the importance of eliminating these barriers. The article notes that visual, mobility, and hearing impairments are the disabilities most often encountered in school labs and that numerous software and hardware tools are available to help individuals with these disabilities…

Discusses the recommendations of a federal advisory committee to the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board for minimum standards of accessibility at play areas. According to the board, a proposed rule addressing accessibility guidelines will come out in late 1996. (MLF)

Advanced Bio-Mechanical Linkage Enablement (ABLE) technology constitutes a leap forward in physical aids for people with disabilities, as they integrate high technologies in rehabilitation to create individualized self-contained care systems. Described are the need for universal standards, barriers to acceptance of ABLE technologies, and ways to…

This article examines the theoretical foundations of the Mobility Opportunities Via Education (MOVE) Curriculum, which is designed to teach sitting, standing, and walking skills to students with physical disabilities. By incorporating natural environment, functional activities, scaffolding, and partial participation, the curriculum enables…

This article presents qualitative results of the first three years of the New Mexico Laptop Learning Initiative (NMLLI). Results suggest that teachers, students, and their communities support this initiative to improve student learning. Descriptive statistics were used during year two to further understand how the laptops were being used by…

Chronological age is a marker in time but it fails to measure accurately the performance or behavioral characteristics of individuals. This paper models the complexity of aging by using a system model and a human function paradigm. These models help facilitate representation of older adults, integrate research agendas, and enhance remediative…

The book is designed to supplement mobility and orientation lessons and explain mobility concepts to visually impaired children from preschool through third grade. Each of the 17 chapters centers on the adventures of Eliot, a young visually impaired child, as he learns the following pre-cane orientation and mobility skills: sighted-guide…

Presented in this paper is a study undertaken to determine the level of social interaction and isolation in a randomly selected sample of 156 aged blacks in an urban area of New Jersey. The interaction patterns are analyzed in terms of availability, relations with, and reactions toward close and distant relatives and friends. The relation between…

This study monitored the impact of intra-institutional relocation upon the mortality and morbidity of movers and nonmovers over a period of 30 months. Results reveal a higher mortality rate and a greater decrement on the physical and mental functioning of male patients who were transferred. (Author)

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…

The authors report on a study to determine the competencies needed by older adults who choose independent living. The study measured perceptions of 150 older adults and 251 home economists in five competency areas. Findings revealed that significant differences were perceived by the two groups in each area. (Author/CH)

Data on conditions of and satisfaction with housing of the Appalachian coal miner were examined to determine relationships between housing deprivation, housing satisfaction, and various demographic and housing characteristics. Using 438 questionnaires returned by miner families, findings revealed miners lacked some amenities enjoyed by workers of…