Discussion of ways to promote inclusion for individuals with severe disabilities first establishes the principle of normalization, then describes conditions and practices that reflect this principle and foster inclusion across the life span. These include universal design, person-centered planning, self-determination, and positive behavior…

Describes "A World of Difference," a camp-counselor training project designed to help youth appreciate racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. Discusses ways and importance of recruiting minority staff. Describes how training helps counselors to become comfortable with diversity, and to initiate education activities themselves. Describes…

A study of the attitudes of 821 secondary-level students in British Columbia (Canada) found that the majority supported mainstreaming of handicapped students in their classes, females were more positive than males, older students were more positive than younger students, and physical contact with handicapped students did not automatically lead to…

General and specific strategies useful in facilitating an integrated educational environment for children with severe disabilities are presented. Strategies include, among others, identifying and facilitating natural supports, using a participation approach, demonstrating success locally, recruiting collaborators, communicating with all members of…

Presents boarding schools as educationally integrative and culturally innovative. Examines historical examples of eastern Hungarian Kollegium, Institutions, England's 18th century public schools, and Israeli youth villages. Boarding schools seen as potential accelerators of change in social structure and culture. Considers schools' autonomy and…

In a study of the accuracy of Tinto's model of student attrition among 253 underprepared community college students, 4 exogenous variables (family background, precollege schooling, getting ready, and encouragement from significant others), 3 endogenous variables (initial commitment, academic integration, and social integration), and previously…

The study examined changes in attitudes of nine non-handicapped (NH) six- and seven-year-olds toward peers with severe learning difficulties (SLD) after experience of structured integration sessions over one school year. The NH children had generally maintained their positive attitudes though attitudes toward classmates thought to be "not very…

A Japanese psychologist and educator describes special education in Japan and the Movement for the Coeducation of the Handicapped with the Nonhandicapped in Neighborhood Schools. Influenced by mainstreaming policies in western countries, the Coeducation Movement calls for an end to handicapped student segregation and advocates student…

Preschool children (n=56) with mild/moderate handicaps were assigned to integrated or nonintegrated classes; social interaction was promoted in half the classes. Observation revealed a higher proportion of interactive play and higher language development in social interaction conditions, and higher ratings of social competence in the…

The status of the integration of students with mental retardation into regular schools in four European countries (Italy, West Germany, Switzerland, and England) is described, and possible variables influencing the change of systems are identified. (MSE)

A leadership and social skills program, with parent involvement and support, was implemented with 20 elementary-age children either at risk for academic and social problems or normally achieving and developing. Suggestions are offered for helping families participate in social skill instruction. (DB)

The Individualized Education Program of an 11-year-old boy with severe disabilities was written to emphasize development of social skills and friendships. Opportunities to develop friendships were created, classmates examined their feelings about the meaning of friendship, and parents' and teachers' reactions were assessed. (JDD)

An elementary school teacher describes how the children in her class developed an understanding of and ultimately friendship with the special education students in their school, highlighting a three-step program she created with the special education teacher to help change attitudes and promote comfortable socialization. (SM)

A survey of 183 Hawaii students (ages 15-19) and interviews with a subsample of 93 students investigated subjects' memories about elementary school experiences involving peers with severe disabilities. Analysis revealed that earlier social contact resulted in more positive attitudes, higher levels of current reported social contact, and more…

Twenty-four abused children, judged unable to participate in a public school setting due to developmental delays and abnormal behaviors, attended a therapeutic preschool for physically and sexually abused children from 1985-88. Most children made developmental gains at a faster-than-expected rate, and over 79 percent were staffed into the public…