This guide was developed to help people meet the challenge of developing early childhood programs that are inclusive of all children, regardless of disability. The manual was written in the spirit of a quilting book, in its recognition of the importance of the quiltmaker's (and the program developer's) own adaptations, creativity, and inspiration.…

The articles of this collection offer a window into the classrooms of teachers who provide activities that support multicultural and global education. "Intercultural" is used rather than multicultural because it suggests interacting in a way that increases the understanding and respect we have for our many cultures. The following papers…

This progress report reviews federal policy activities toward the inclusion, empowerment, and independence of people with disabilities consistent with the vision of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The report covers the period of November 1, 1997, through October 31, 1998. It notes progress where it has occurred and makes further…

This study analyzes the components of a proposed definition of independent living, in order to derive scales to be used to differentiate between groups with specific disabilities and between those with and without disabilities. The study was designed to facilitate identification of those areas of special needs that can be best addressed within the…

An assortment of 38 case studies illustrates efforts to integrate elderly individuals with developmental disabilities into generic aging services and into community life. The case studies include models and practice experiences that aided seniors to retire, participate in programs and services, and become part of their community's aging network.…

Eight papers presented at a March 1993 conference address the role of education in systems of care for children's mental health. Papers have the following titles and authors: (1) "Interagency Collaboration through a School-Based Wraparound Approach: A Systems Analysis Summary of Project WRAP" (Lucille Eber and Carol Stieper); (2)…

This brief (half page) official position statement of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children addresses the issue of inclusion. The right to inclusion is seen to be the right of all children to participate actively in natural settings within their communities. DEC supports full access to health, social…

This booklet summarizes results of a conference in Queensland (Australia) concerning the implications for teacher education of integrating students with special educational needs into local schools. The conference arose from two earlier reports of the Advisory Council for Special Educational Needs. Key principles were identified and prioritized.…

This study investigated whether the criterion-related validity coefficient of the Instructional Strategy Usage (ISU) instrument was statistically significant, and investigated factors related to general education teachers' use of instructional strategies that facilitate inclusion of students with moderate and severe impairments in general…

The purpose of the Bridges to Leadership 2000 program is to implement a service delivery model for economically disadvantaged and minority youth with disabilities, from ages 11 to 21. The program is conducted with the help of the Howard University Research and Training Center for Access to Rehabilitation and Economic Opportunity, and is being…

This study assessed the effectiveness of a model for providing long distance technical assistance on teacher implementation of an intervention designed to increase child-child social interaction. Subjects were 10 preschool special education teachers and 40 preschool-aged children (some developing normally and some with mild to moderate…

This study examined the benefit of using a visual telecommunication system for Sweden's children and adults with mild to moderate mental retardation and speech difficulties. The Panasonic Image Communication Unit connects to standard modular telephones and includes a camera and monitor for the transfer of pictures. Units were placed in eight…

This case study represents an attempt to develop knowledge and understanding of "community supports," those formal and informal supports necessary to enable people with disabilities to live in the community and participate fully in community life. The individual in the case study is a white man with severe cerebral palsy born in 1912. The study…

Statistics on the current status and the changing patterns of services for persons with developmental disabilities are presented in graphic, tabular, and narrative form. The volume summarizes national statistics gathered through the Ongoing Data Collection System of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and other sources of national…

This study focused on self-perceptions of social relationships of hearing-impaired adolescents. Three sets of perceptions regarding social relationships were investigated: participation, relatedness, and perceived social competence. The Social Activity Scale was administered to 84 mainstreamed hearing-impaired adolescents in secondary schools and…