Investigated attachment security and behavior in 34 physically disabled infants and 26 non-disabled infants using convergent, categorical, and continuous (Attachment Behavior Q-Set) measures of relationship, based on the same set of home observations. Proportions of attachment classifications were identical for each group, but insecure disabled…

Examined degree to which self-reported functional disability and coping efforts contributed to psychological adjustment among 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients over six months. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that increases in disability were related to decreased acceptance of illness and increased negative affect, while coping…

Discusses what constitutes "reasonable accommodation" for disabled students in the writing classroom. Argues that because of the format and labor-intensive nature of most writing classes, writing program administrators should plan for academic adjustments to smooth the way for students with physical, emotional, or learning disabilities.…

Reports reactions of university students to the physical appearance of children with growth disorders of dwarfism, or sex-linked trisomy, compared to children with normal body proportions. Normal children were rated more favorably on physical attractiveness. Discussed the impact of perceived age and height-weight characteristics on…

Identifies four roles explaining how able-bodied instructors communicate with physically disabled students: the avoider, the guardian, the rejector, and the nurturer. Describes and illustrates each role with events that happened in classrooms. Concludes that able-bodied instructors communicate differently with students with physical disabilities…

Project Participate has developed and implemented a model for making decisions about interventions that enhance the ability of a preschool child with severe motor disabilities to actively participate in educational programs. The effectiveness of the process in increasing child participation in play, communication, social interaction, and mobility…

Nondisabled undergraduates (n=41) were assigned to either high or low favorable attitude group, then viewed videotape of actor simulating either physical or speech disability. Found that, despite attitudes toward disabled, rating of social acceptance of speech-impaired person was significantly less positive than rating of physically impaired…

Fifty-three adults with intellectual impairment referred to an endocrinology clinic in New South Wales (Australia) were measured for lumbar bone mineral density. Bone mineral density was significantly lower in this group than in an age and sex matched control group. Risk factors included male gender, physical inactivity, small body size,…

This study examined head rotation, shoulder extension and rotation, ankle plantar and dorsiflexion, hip flexion, and sit and reach (SR) in 80 adults, aged 45-75, to identify flexibility factors. No single measurement indicates loss of flexibility at all joints, but SR tests are found to be more reliable than others. (SM)

This study examined the effect of parental attitudes and child's age on 60 children's attitudes toward children with physical disabilities. Results showed that children aged 11-12 demonstrated more positive attitudes than children aged 5-6. Mothers' attitudes appeared to have a differential impact on their children's attitudes depending on the…

This study of 164 adults with physical disabilities living in institutional care in Newcastle (United Kingdom) found an overall incidence figure of 59 such adults per 100,000 population. The study also found that less than 20% were able to exercise their right to a free choice and independent decision concerning their residential placement. (DB)

Innovations in equipment and changes in social attitudes are tearing down barriers to sports participation for individuals with disabilities. Many people still do not know about the array of opportunities available, and physicians are uniquely positioned to help them discover the sporting events and fitness options open to them. (SM)

Effects of age, physical activity, physical fitness, and body mass index (BMI) on the occurrence of orthopedic problems were examined. For men, physical fitness, BMI, and physical activity were associated with orthopedic problems; for women, physical activity was the main predictor. Age was not a factor for either gender. (JD)

This study evaluated regular and irregular verb class distinctions in the language of two adults with severe congenital physical impairments who relied on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Limited evidence for distinction between the two verb classes was found. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. (DB)

This study of multi-professional collaboration in special schools in Britain included the development of a collaboration scale based on professional descriptions of collaborative activities which fell into three broad categories: planning activities, sharing activities, and goal-achieving activities. Respondents generally reported a fairly high…