Investigation of the extent to which various factors were associated with observed developmental gains in developmentally-delayed young children (N=83) revealed that potential predictors of overall child progress included test score derivatives, number of assessments and home visits, mother's age, child's age at initial testing, and medical risk…

1988-1989 legislative and social goals of the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) are outlined. Priorities focus on Medicaid reform, constitutional and civil rights, capital punishment and the criminal justice system, and staff compensation rates. Twenty additional goals in such areas as family support and tax reform are also…

A longitudinal study of 579 German children, aged 3-4 when the study began, examined incidence rates for developmental deviance and to assist with prognostic educational decisions. About 20% of the children were found to be developmentally deviant, and most of the developmentally deviant children could be identified at a preschool age. (JDD)

Reviews the literature in two areas of research concerned with social development of siblings. Compares and contrasts studies of sibling relationships of handicapped children with the wider literature on nonhandicapped siblings. Focus is on methodological and conceptual features. (RWB)

A study examined teachers' and parents' ratings of 39 developmentally handicapped (DH) and 9 learning disabled children on the revised Vineland and the AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale. Teachers rated children eligible for DH placement more frequently than parents. The adaptive behavior ratings of the two instruments differed significantly. (Author/CB)

The authors discuss activities that help mentally handicapped adults emphasize thinking processes: observation questions, impact chart, solving a puzzling situation, and use of examples/nonexamples. The authors stress use of simple concepts, concrete objects, and realistic situations in developing intellectual skills. (CT)

This teaching manual for treatment of children with developmental disabilities is divided into seven sections that address: (1) basic concepts; (2) transition into treatment; (3) early learning concepts; (4) expressive language; (5) strategies for visual learners; (6) programmatic considerations; and (7) organizational and legal issues. Among…

This study investigated the effects of a visually mediated intervention (i.e., social stories, written social phrases, pictures of social skills, and videotaped feedback) on the social communication of five elementary students with pervasive developmental disorders. Five triads, each with one subject and two typically developing peers were formed.…

This final report of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council's (ODDC) project on transportation presents an evaluation of the current transportation options available to Ohioans with disabilities and offers recommendations to improve these options. The first section provides an overview of the ODDC transportation project including its…

This paper reports on a focus group discussion held in June, 1998, in Killington, Vermont, about a 3-year project in Vermont to encourage the self-determination of people with developmental disabilities. The project has involved training of four project teams, each composed of a person with a developmental disability, a family member, and a person…

Elaborates on a policy statement adopted by the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities concerning training of educators for inclusion. The history of the inclusive schools movement is reviewed and the need for adequate training and preparation is stressed. Ten key categories of readiness…

Examines the influence of culture, race, social class, and religion on how families cope with a child's developmental disability and suggests ways that special service providers might shape services to serve these families effectively. Argues that such an examination will correct assumptions that everyone views the world in the same way. (RJM)

Child development happens within the social, cultural, political, environmental, and economic contexts of a particular place, but researchers and policy makers describe best practice in the field as if one size fits all. An early interventionist's experience illustrates how ruralness and community characteristics impact practice. Collaboration…

Contends that partnerships at local and state levels between the aging and developmental disabilities establishments can positively affect the quality of operation of each. Claims the two systems need to exchange experiences, expand offerings at senior centers, plan jointly, join forces to overcome bias, and assert rights of all people.…

Contemporary developments concerning the effectiveness of family involvement in early intervention programs are described within the framework of Public Law 99-457 and illustrated with investigations focusing on children at biological risk, children with cerebral palsy, and children with general developmental delays. (Author/DB)