This article describes a pediatrically based, culturally sensitive, interagency screening program for developmental delays among Latino low-income preschoolers (n=52). Children with severe to moderate delays and age-eligible children were referred to preschool programs. (Author/DB)

A national survey of state directors of special education (40 responses) found great variety in state policy concerning inclusion of students with disabilities, acceleration in inclusion activities, a commitment to providing inservice and technical assistance, emerging teacher certification guidelines specific to inclusion, and minimal empirical…

The Multiple Abilities Program (MAP) at the University of Alabama is a five-semester, competency-based preservice program preparing teachers to teach all students regardless of settings or disability labels. This article outlines the program rationale, organizational framework, and the program feature in which undergraduates spend over 50 percent…

Trends in Mexico concerning integrating children with special needs into general classrooms and a new model of service delivery providing greater site-based approaches to educating students with learning disabilities are discussed. Assignments and materials may be modified, and both resource rooms and specialists are available to the general…

The effects of disability, age grouping, and adult involvement on interactions of preschool children with disabilities (n=16) and children without disabilities (n=32) were studied in sessions of free play or adult involvement. Children with disabilities spent more time passively nonengaged. Even when controlling for developmental age, intergroup…

Premises and misconceptions about developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) are discussed, along with how the premises and practices of DAP diverge and overlap with recommended practices for early childhood special education. Instructional strategies that have been effective for teaching young children with disabilities and that follow DAP…

This introduction to assistive technology for students with disabilities covers use of devices in positioning, computer access, environmental control, augmentative communication, assistive listening, visual aids, computer-based instruction, mobility, self-care aids, and aids for physical education. Five resources for information about assistive…

Examined whether changes in family support and resources would affect parenting stress in families of medically fragile children. Results suggest that changes in support and resources correlate with change in parenting stress. However, for white families, stress changes correlated to child's developmental progress or changes in social support,…

Inclusive child care programs are built upon planning and implementation that includes all educators. Currently, there is a gap between early childhood educators and early childhood special educators. This gap can be bridged by concentrating on commonalities in educational practices, instructional strategies, and interventions. (JW)

This paper presents the beliefs of Israeli residents of Oriental (North African or Middle Eastern) origin regarding children who are mentally retarded. Based on written materials and interviews with 40 mothers, the paper discusses beliefs about mental retardation's causes, blame, treatment, and recovery. Methods of dealing with parents of pupils…

Twenty students (ages 11-15) with disabilities used a consensus-based group evaluation system to evaluate their group's behavior during a specified time period. Comparing team ratings to teacher ratings and delivering reinforcement (based on group behavior and team accuracy in rating behavior) was found to be an effective strategy for modifying…

Forty-eight general education and 48 special education students (grades 3-6) were rated by general education teachers, and 75 students were rated again 1 year later. Significant differences between students successful and unsuccessful in mainstream environments were found on socioeconomic status and social/behavioral variables (peer relationships,…

This overview describes the prevalence and etiology of the population of children who are deaf blind; considers service delivery and resource systems currently in place; and discusses current and future issues including provision of transition services, lack of qualified teachers, and lack of related and support services. New initiatives are…

Five papers discuss topics related to the USMARC Community Information Format (CIF), including using CIF to create a public service resource network; development of a CIF-based database of materials relating to multicultural and differently-abled populations; background on CIF; development of an information and referral database; and CIF and…

A survey of chairpersons of 35 postsecondary schools of education in New York State found that less than one-third of these programs were accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, offered dual certification in regular and special education, or required training in collaborative teaching and education. (Author/JDD)