This study of the patterns of contact among 12 students (ages 4-17) with deaf-blindness and their nondisabled age peers at school revealed that students engaged in slightly less than 90 minutes per day in social contact. Many students with deaf-blindness were not developing stable (repeating) contacts with any of their peers. (Author/JDD)

This counterpoint to a critique of the authors' paper, which argued against full inclusion of students with disabilities, offers evidence of the effectiveness of special education and notes court litigation that has recognized that separate is not always unequal. (JDD)

This paper highlights the historical, social, and legal aspects of Spain's movement to integrate special education students. Differences in constitutional and legislative foundations as well as in practical mainstreaming efforts and professional roles between the U.S. and Spain are noted. Educators are warned to not uncritically replicate other…

Study of a sample of 93 individuals with disabilities participating in supported employment programs in Connecticut found that monthly wages and levels of integration increased significantly when compared to working situations prior to supported employment placement. (JDD)

Procedures are discussed for developing a playground design that will enable all children, including those with disabilities, to participate in playground activities. The article addresses designing a needs assessment tool, planning the playground, and selecting and funding equipment. A needs assessment tool and addresses for information about…

This study examined pupils' knowledge of and feelings about mental handicap, through interviews with second year students in a British comprehensive school and a questionnaire survey of 179 students. Results indicated that girls felt that disabled persons were capable of benefiting from integration, whereas boys' attitudes were more ambiguous.…

This study investigated the effects of teaching sociodramatic scripts on interactions among three triads, each containing two typical preschool children and one child with autistic characteristics. Results supported the inclusion of systematic training of scripts to enhance interaction among children with and without disabilities during…

An intervention with two nonverbal elementary students with severe/profound mental retardation involved training the students to use badges showing play activities and then implementing use of the badges in a free play situation with nondisabled age-appropriate peers. Increased use of play organizers, initiations, and sharing resulted. (DB)

Fears concerning possible results of including students with severe disabilities in regular programs are raised, including (1) the insinuation of constructivism into a system emphasizing inclusion (rather than instruction); (2) a lack of policies to preserve educational integrity; and (3) elimination of special education as a full partner with…

A discussion of the effects of social upheaval in Northern Ireland on the school system looks at the politically and religiously divided schools, traditional segregation by social class and sex, changes currently being attempted, establishment of common curricular elements, and the role of parents. (MSE)

Discusses the issue of choice in education in the context of San Francisco's 15 alternative public elementary schools. These schools draw more committed students, parents, and teachers, and they create a sense of community often lacking in the public schools, yet they are less socioeconomically integrated. Calls for more exploration of the…

Two new programs, European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students (ERASMUS) and European Community Action Program for Education and Training for Technology (COMETT), will allow for greater student and staff mobility. These programs need to be supported by adequate administrative structures. (MLW)

Reports survey of San Francisco Hispanics to identify relationship between acculturation and AIDS transmission knowledge. Indicates generally good transmission knowledge, but many erroneous beliefs. Knowledge strongly associated with acculturation level, with less-acculturated Hispanics harboring more errors, even controlling for education.…

The Synscentral (the institute for visually impaired people) in Vordingborg, Denmark, offers rehabilitation, teaching, and support in the home, the school, and the workplace. Regional centers such as the Synscentral provide expert advice, teach low vision people, and test special equipment. (Author/JDD)

A case study is presented of a girl (age six) with multiple disabilities including moderate to severe mental retardation who was fully included in a regular first-grade classroom. The experience indicated that students with multiple disabilities can learn to follow classroom routines, follow directions, acquire new skills, and improve their…