Several interrelated issues pertaining to the measurement of spinal curvature are discussed, including the inherent limitations of the kyphotic index, the most widely used indicator in the evaluation of kyphosis. The paper suggests use of the Flexicurve to quantify spinal posture, suggests modifications to the Flexicurve, and presents results on…

A study of 7 pupils aged 7-15 with physical disabilities found that school assistants could both facilitate and hinder student participation. Results suggest the need for awareness of priorities students place on social participation to ensure that effective and flexible support is available to students with disabilities. (Contains 42 references.)…

Questioned parents of 39 adolescents with spina bifida. Found that most adolescents were mainstreamed into regular classrooms. Three-fourths of parents rated their adolescent as happy and outgoing; less than 10 percent noted predominant angry or depressed mood. About 10 percent had problems with alcohol or drugs. Parents desired more assistance in…

The mother of a physically disabled child encourages the participation of such children in mainstream camping programs. Suggestions to maximize the benefits of the camping experience are offered. (DB)

Surveyed physically disabled persons to learn their opinions and preferences with regard to self-disclosure as a stigma management strategy. Results revealed that disabled subjects were frequently open to disclosing, but did not often ask about the disabilities of others or feel more at ease themselves after disclosing. (Author/NB)

Identifies myths and stereotypes found in juvenile literature portraying the physically handicapped, and uses fictional and personal examples to show how such characters can be portrayed realistically and effectively. The need for authors to focus on the person rather than the disability is emphasized. (10 references) (CLB)

Focuses on modifications in keyboarding and computer classes for those with visual and muscular impairments. (JOW)

Discusses the implications of the rapid, dramatic changes taking place in therapeutic recreation for individuals with physical disabilities. The article notes the impact of changes in managed care, examines programming trends in therapeutic recreation (adventure/outdoor education, competitive sports, handcycling, health enhancement activities, and…

Describes the collections, roles, and services of the Reference Section of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress. Publications available from the series "Reference Circular" and "Reference Bibliography" are described, and it is suggested that they be used by librarians…

Integrating students in wheelchairs into regular tennis classes can be very easy. Teachers only need to make a few modifications to their standard class plans. The article explains how to modify a tennis class for students in wheelchairs, and presents teaching tips and the rules for wheelchair tennis. (SM)

This paper describes an organization developed by and for people with physical disabilities in Malaysia, as a case study of self-help action in the southeast Asia region. The paper reviews the origin and growth of the organization, its program of activities, and the nature and future of disability self-help. (Author/JDD)

Problems in bathing a child who is physically disabled are described, and products that can assist are reviewed, such as reclining bath seats and bath lifts. A directory of bath and incontinence aids lists approximately 80 companies with codes for the types of products they make available. (JDD)

This study of illegal parking in spaces reserved for the physically disabled found that the lowest rate (27 percent of 78 vehicles) occurred with ground markings, vertical signs, and a sign that concerned citizens were watching the spaces. Illegal parking increased to 34 percent when message signs were removed, and 65 percent when vertical signs…

Pre- and postsurgery analysis of a deaf six-year-old's intelligence quotient, communicative ability, emotional adjustment, and school performance found that, after a surgical procedure that provided her with artificial thumbs, the subject showed improved signing, ability to communicate, and physical abilities. (CB)

A study involving 547 individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) examined the validity of Gerben DeJong's categories of Living Arrangement and Productivity Status to assess overall independent living. Results confirmed the face validity of these categories. A sample of 28 rehabilitation professionals and individuals with SCI validated ranking…