This paper describes how Alameda High School in California is using the Speaking Dynamically Pro v2.0 software by Mayer-Johnson to help 13 special education students (ages 14-18) communicate and make the world more accessible. The students have a range of disabilities and skill levels. This computer program enables the students to make choices,…

This address begins with a study of self-help by a Mozambican in the 1590s and then imagines a period between the years 2050 to 2150, during which women caring for people with disabilities abolish the need for specialist educational, medical and social services, by multiplying and democratizing the necessary knowledge, skills and design to make…

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 assures that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program of activity receiving Federal financial assistance. These requirements, which apply to all…

This annotated bibliography focuses on materials published after 1991 about cultural competence and children with special health care needs. It is divided into the following sections: (1) epidemiology and demographics (11 publications); (2) cultural competence (15 publications); (3) cultural competence and children and youth with disabilities (29…

The effect of testing accommodations, such as extra time, oral reading of the assessment, or small group testing, on the participation and performance levels of limited-English-proficient students (LEP) on the Rhode Island Grade 4 Mathematics Performance Assessment was studied. A pilot study was conducted with 22 classes of students to provide…

In Washington, urban centers enjoy rising wages and low employment; rural areas have stagnating wages and high unemployment. Most family-wage job opportunities are in occupations that require some postsecondary education but not a four-year degree. The shortage is most severe in the supply of skilled workers with vocational training. Technology…

This paper presents a generalized solution to the problems that people with disabilities face regarding accessing the Internet. Of particular interest is the way in which the authors' paradigm allows for enhanced interaction with information resources, including distance learning and education in general. A basic overview is provided of the…

The newsletter presents six articles and associated information concerned with assistive technology for children and youth with handicaps. "Technology: Becoming an Informed Consumer" (Elizabeth Lahm and Sue Elting) reviews the history of technology with emphasis on assistive technology, offers case studies on technology applications, and gives…

The report relates existing State Title V programs based on the Social Security Act to implications of Public Law 99-457 (the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986), especially Part H which authorizes comprehensive coordinated statewide early intervention delivery systems for infants and toddlers with handicaps. In section I,…

This hearing focuses on the discretionary programs of the Education of the Handicapped Act, which cover research, technical assistance, information dissemination, personnel training, and model demonstration projects and activities. The testimony focuses on the significant percentage of disabled minority-group students not receiving special…

This guide contains questions and answers about Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended in 1986 by Public Law 99-506, which required the federal government to establish, in consultation with industry, guidelines to ensure that individuals with disabilities may use electronic office equipment with or without special peripherals. The guide…

This conference proceedings document serves to establish the state of the art, highlight important methodological and conceptual issues, and identify priorities for future research in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. The document includes the papers from two opening presentations, issue papers and reactant papers, a…

This paper discusses implications of open enrollment polices for students with disabilities and for districts that gain or lose students with disabilities through transfer. An introductory section examines how open enrollment differs from other "choice" options and offers general arguments for and against open enrollment. The remainder of the…

This document lists the competencies and skills necessary for the successful transition of special education students into the work force and the community. When fully implemented by a school, these competencies and skills assist the school and the Kansas Department of Rehabilitation Services in meeting the requirements of the state law on…

This paper reports on a symposium of experts in child and family development and health care which met to discuss integrated systems of services. The symposium was part of the Carolina Policy Studies Program which is addressing policy implementation of Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The paper notes IDEA's…