The history of the least restrictive environment concept is reviewed as it relates to students with severe disabilities (moderate, severe, or profound retardation; autism; multiple disabilities; or deaf-blindness). Stages in the evolutionary process and future prospects are analyzed, with attention to physical, functional, and social inclusion.…

Explores context in technical communication through the speech community. Asks what the relationship is among language, culture, and thought, and what knowledge is needed for effective communication. Argues that the Whorfian hypothesis answers the first question, whereas Chomsky's work on grammatical competence and Flower and Hayes' investigations…

Summarizes the essential theoretical features in "Communication and Cross-Cultural Adaptation," by Young Yun Kim. Applies this theory of acculturation as a dynamic communication process to the multigenerational cross-cultural shift of Mexican-Americans described in "Chicano Identity," by Susan E. Keefe and Amado M. Padilla. (SV)

Used qualitative analysis to explore role of ethnicity in Tinto's model of institutional departure and to suggest that the model can be strengthened by reconstructing concept of social integration based on qualitative analysis. Data from 24 Hispanic and Native American college students illustrated how ethnicity may influence social integration…

This article offers seven guidelines for best practices in integrating youngsters who are blind or visually impaired with their age-appropriate peers. Guidelines are based on the literature on early childhood special education and education of children with visual impairments. (Author/DB)

A study examined the effectiveness of coworker instruction, a natural support strategy, in improving the integration of four adolescents with disabilities transitioning into a competitive-employment setting. Results indicated the intervention strategy increased the social integration of the students with disabilities. (Author/CR)

Reviews the impact of eugenics on people with disabilities and the danger that they will be further devalued in a world of increasing genetic manipulation. Margaret Mead's concept of providing opportunities for all people to learn how to participate wholly in society and the need for an ethical revolution are discussed. (CR)

This article uses a sociocultural framework to propose an expanded view of least restrictive environment. It focuses on the individual child in interaction with the social organization of specific activity settings rather than the physical location (regular or special education classroom), which can be either facilitating or restrictive in either…

A study of 2560 individuals with developmental disabilities found that individuals residing in community settings experience greater social integration into the community than those in institutional settings; however, social integration was found to be more strongly related to consumer satisfaction in institutional settings than in community…

Summarizes articles presented in this special issue devoted to Chicana/o mental health issues. Provides an overview of two research areas: one that exemplifies how research reviewed can be applied in innovative mental health settings, and one that may direct attention to a new perception relative to understanding chicana/o mental health. (JDM)

The success of empowerment in a European Union program to promote social inclusion through education, training, and employment was evaluated with responses from 104 participants. More than half said they acquired supportive relationships and confidence; many increased knowledge and skills. Ways to measure empowerment as a process were addressed.…

States that people feel spiritual longing, expressed in belief in a God or higher power, to feel whole in a fragmented society. Recommends setting aside a sacred space, being still, and finding a spiritual community as rituals to reconnect with God and integrate the inner and outer lives. (VWC)

Describes goals for developing social justice education in middle schools. Examines the developmental readiness of young adolescents to engage in social justice work and presents the elements of a morally directed middle school movement: democracy, diversity, and equity. Considers a program of professional development to support social justice…

Discusses results of a study that replicated Kember's 1995 model of student progress in distance education, using students enrolled in four courses at the Open University of the United Kingdom. Considers social integration, academic integration, external attribution, and academic incompatibility, and concludes that Kember's model does not fit data…

The implementation of policies associated with deinstitutionalisation has dominated the development of services for people with intellectual disabilities in most, although not all, of the world's richer countries (Braddock, Emerson, Felce & Stancliffe, 2001; Hatton, Emerson & Kiernan, 1995). In England, traditional large-scale institutional care…