This fact sheet on assistive technology for people with mental retardation (MR) defines assistive technology, notes how it can benefit people with MR, discusses how it is used by people with MR, lists factors to consider before using assistive technology, outlines barriers in obtaining assistive technology for people with MR, and mentions two…

This study of 26 preadolescents' peer relationships incorporated peer nominations, peer interviews, and direct observations on the playground. Results indicated students with disabilities attending special schools experienced a variety of peer relationships including reciprocal nominations as preferred peers as well as low social status, lack of…

This column presents a discussion of the philosophy and practice of inclusion of students with disabilities and a review of five books and articles on inclusive schools; and an annotated bibliography of nine journal articles and reports on gifted students and educational reform. (JDD)

This article reviews how the term "self-determination" has been defined and conceptualized, examines misperceptions of the term that may have contributed to the exclusion of people with severe disabilities, and seeks to find common ground to move forward to promote self-determination for people with severe disabilities. (Author/PB)

This paper comments on three preceding papers in the same publication on the general topic of self-determination for adults with severe disabilities. It is concluded that self-determination is based on community relationships more than individual decisions, and that individuals should be valued regardless of whether or not they know what they…

This article presents the author's response to "Excessive Positivism in Person-Centered Planning," by Steve Holburn and Christine D. Cea. The author begins by complementing Holburn and Cea on their courage to voice concerns that perhaps may not appear to be politically correct or perhaps too bold to express in the context of a journal like…

Integrated adventure programs are those in which persons with and without disabilities participate together in planned adventure activities. A study sought to identify the leadership competencies necessary for leaders of integrated outdoor adventure programs and to measure the effectiveness of a staff training addressing one of these competencies.…

Documents the experiences of a deafblind adult during two holidays in which he experienced various outdoor activities. Discusses the nature of deafblindness, reviews relevant literature on outdoor activities for people with special needs, and points out the value of video technology as a research tool when working with people with multisensory…

This article presents guidelines for providing individuals with severe disabilities with a wide range of personal choices. It provides a rationale for teaching all individuals to participate in meaningful choice-making; describes basic types of choices; and suggests ways to generalize choice-making skills across settings, times, and people. (DB)

The recreation participation patterns of adults with (n=100) and without (n=100) mental retardation were compared using in-depth interviews. Adults with mental retardation reported participating in far fewer recreational activities than peers without disabilities. Similarities between the two groups were found in the types and ranking of…

Offers advice and practical suggestions on how to facilitate challenge activities when working with diverse groups that include disabled persons. Lists tips concerning access and safety considerations, communication, group dynamics and teamwork, and modifications to specific activities. (SV)

The Red Ridge Center in northern Wales specializes in facilitating adventure-based outdoor activities for people with mental and sensory disabilities. Vignettes about two disabled persons--one with autism and the other with a severe mental disability--illustrate the benefits they derived from participation in outdoor activities. (SV)

This paper comments on three preceding papers in the same publication on the general topic of self-determination for adults with severe disabilities. The meanings of self-determination discussed are explored as separate social and psychological components of the construct, which leads to a discussion of how the construct obliges caregivers to…

Social stigma and its impact on the life opportunities and emotional well-being of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are a subject of both practical and theoretical importance. The disability movement and evolving theories of self, now point to individuals ability to develop positive identities and to challenge stigmatizing views and…

The implementation of policies associated with deinstitutionalisation has dominated the development of services for people with intellectual disabilities in most, although not all, of the world's richer countries (Braddock, Emerson, Felce & Stancliffe, 2001; Hatton, Emerson & Kiernan, 1995). In England, traditional large-scale institutional care…