Intended to provide a clearer understanding of the educational needs of the disabled, the difficulties in meeting these needs, and some suggestions as to how the difficulties might be overcome. (Author/WL)

Physiological and self-reported reactions of counselors in training to five disabled clients and a minority client were examined. Implications for counselor practice, education, and in-service education are discussed. (Author)

Conducted life story interviews with and administered psychometric inventories to 50 individuals who had lived with spinal cord injury for more than 22 years. Transcripts of the life story interviews were then categorized into one of four classic forms: comedy, romance, tragedy, and irony. A sample of each narrative category is provided. (RJM)

A survey of 66 libraries providing bookmobile services found that the main constraint on bookmobile services is the lack of funding, that most bookmobile librarians do not receive enough questions to warrant carrying reference sources, that only 5% were equipped to handle physically challenged patrons, and that more than 30% had automated…

Discusses the implications for academic computing of Section 508 of the 1986 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which ensures that handicapped individuals have access to hardware and software purchased by the federal government. Lists organizations, on-line services, and print materials that can serve as resources. (DMM)

This article presents tips on financing the purchase of wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment for physically disabled children. Parent/dealer cooperation, parental health insurance coverage, governmental programs, doctors' prescription letters, and community resources are discussed. Eight potential funding sources are listed along with contact…

A case study of a difficult to manage nonspeaking young man with brain injury is presented. Assessment and intervention indicated severe cognitive-linguistic deficits, severe physical involvement of all extremities, extensive surgical management, visual perceptual and acuity deficits, and behavioral problems. (Author/DB)

The article gives parents of physically disabled children suggestions for development of an assistive device lending library through the public or school library. Guidelines for writing the proposal (the introduction, statement of need, suggested funding sources, advantages for the library) and submitting the proposal are given. (DB)

Current legislation that improves services to target populations includes elements of mandated reform of certain professional practices. Such a mandate puts into practice changes that many have said were needed, but it also makes implementation of these policies more difficult. (Author/BJV)

Mentally retarded suicide attempters/ideators (n=22) were compared to 22 nonsuicidal mentally retarded adults referred for outpatient mental health services. Few differences were found between the two groups. The typical suicide attempter was a young adult with mild to borderline mental retardation and a physical disability or chronic medical…

A new questionnaire instrument, the Life Satisfaction Index for Adolescents (LSIA), has been developed for adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This article reviews the conceptual basis of the LSIA, its development, and its reliability and validity (established with 15 male adolescents with DMD). (DB)

A study of the management of literacy needs of rehabilitation clients moving from the health sector back into the community is reported. Focusing on people with physical impairments or brain damage, the study examined what health professionals know about adult literacy programs, identification and management of literacy needs, and perception of…

Nine mothers of children with physical disabilities in Ireland participated in a 10-week training program that focused on social learning theory and identification and modification of undesirable child behaviors. Evaluation indicated reduced maternal stress and substantial reductions in identified problem behaviors. (DB)

Parents of an adolescent with severe physical disabilities talk with a counselor about their marital problems, which are focused on the financial strains caused by the expenses of sending their daughter to a private school. Counseling focused on the parents' need to reevaluate their own desires. (DB)

As people with disabilities gain greater access to the broader community, mental health counselors will be called on to differentiate between related and marginally related services. Using the example of spinal cord injury (SCI), dynamics of loss are discussed, illustrating how mental health counselors might work with clients with disabilities.…