This commentary refutes use of segregation and institutionalization as a legitimate lifestyle strategy for individuals with mental retardation. It contends that advocates of this strategy have never justified its use with valid research and calls for integration that is carefully parsed into its various expressions, the highest form being valued…

In a survey, 50 continuing education faculty expressed concern about setting the right climate in the first session of a course. They attempt to balance students' needs and concerns with course and content issues. Although they wanted to create the proper social climate, they were only moderately concerned about "getting acquainted." (SK)

Fifty-four adults with developmental disabilities living independently in three different communities were interviewed about their social interactions during seven consecutive days. The study concluded that a satisfactory level of integration was not occurring when judged by subjects' interactions with persons without disabilities. (Author/DB)

This paper reports results of surveys administered in 1989 and 1990 to 197 Zimbabwean teachers. Results indicated low levels of acceptance of integration of pupils with disabilities, despite official educational policy supporting integration. Attitudes differed depending on specific impairment and whether the teacher's own classroom or classrooms…

Summarizes the main points presented in the 1989 book, "The Death of Black English" by R.R. Butlers (1989). Butler's book presents most important research of last 20 years and subjects the results to variation analysis. It is concluded that the history of linguistic assimilation points to the eventual disappearance of Black English in…

Many deaf students become perennial "outsiders," never really becoming an integral part of their mainstream classrooms. Factors contributing to this may include family dynamics, teacher attitudes, and lack of interactions between deaf and hearing children. Parents can promote their child's integration, through accessing home, school, and community…

This study interviewed students (n=24) participating in the University of Washington's Early Entrance Program. Students were unanimous in their satisfaction with their choice to forego major high school social events and found attitudes toward them sometimes annoying. (DB)

A comparative review of the literature on integration of handicapped children into ordinary schools across Western nations is presented. Implications for national policymaking and program implementation are discussed, based on programs in the United States, England, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Sweden. Case studies of integrated children with…

Twenty-four special and regular education fifth-grade students participated in a dramatic games group or noncompetitive games group. Results showed that students with mental retardation in the drama condition were targeted for positive social interactions by regular education peers more and were more highly regarded as friends than were those in…

Thirteen brief articles address aspects of full inclusion for deaf students from various viewpoints, including a deaf consumer, an administrator, a teacher educator, a parent, a superintendent of a special school, a public school board leader, a teacher, and various specialists. (DB)

The inclusion movement is positively considered in the context of the education of gifted students. Advantages for gifted education in the areas of staff development, provision of continuous progress options, and new views of intelligence are noted. (DB)

This article explores the relationship between communication skills and social integration of preschoolers who are deaf or hard of hearing; examines facilitation and evaluation of social integration activities; and describes several components to assist adults who wish to facilitate the social integration of preschoolers who are hearing, deaf, or…

This literature review analyzes 47 studies and reports on the type and range of medical care, resources, and support services needed to maintain individuals with mental retardation in the community; health-related outcomes; barriers to the provision of community-based medical services; and availability and access to services. (Author/JDD)

Case studies are used to demonstrate several strategies used in the San Francisco Bay area to ensure the inclusion of persons with dual sensory impairments and other multiple disabilities in integrated community employment. Strategies include heterogeneous group placement, job restructuring, use of natural support, volunteerism, and social skills…

The compartmentalization of responsibilities to serve student needs has created agencies with their own demands and has dramatically increased costs of transportation, facilities, and management. The Ontario (Oregon) School district has reintegrated students closest to the norm and has devised a plan to return more severely disabled children to…