This annotated bibliography contains recent research and publications on the efficacy of cochlear implants for children with hearing loss. Materials are provided for the following categories: rules and regulations (2); available devices (3); and the impact of implants on development (18). Factors affecting the benefits of the devices are…

For the study reported in this article, Deaf couples were interviewed at two different times regarding their views on deaf education. Questions in the first interview focused on the parents' views of their preschool children's education as well as their opinion of their "own" school experiences. Questions also covered language use at school and…

An overview is provided of (a) deaf education in China, (b) views of deaf Chinese, and (c) recent empowering international collaborations. China's national policy focuses on oral/aural education and hearing rehabilitation. However, everyday practice in schools for deaf children includes various forms of Chinese Sign Language. Early childhood…

Background: Research has shown that the cochlear implant may improve deaf children's speech and communication skills. However, little is known about its effect on children's ability to socialize with hearing peers. Methods: Using a standardized psychological measure completed by parents and a longitudinal design, this study examined the…

Educators and therapists implement assistive technology to maximize educational outcomes of students with disabilities. However, few measure the outcomes of interventions because of a lack of valid measurement tools. This study investigated whether an assistive technology supplement for the School Function Assessment demonstrates an important…

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of word prediction software to increase typing speed and decrease spelling errors for students who have physical disabilities that affect hand use. Student perceptions regarding the effectiveness of word prediction was examined as well as their typing rates and spelling accuracy. Four students with…

Technology helps students develop coping strategies to deal with various learning differences. Assistive technology is a common intervention provided to students with disabilities and generally varies depending on student need. Within gifted education, the use of computers and technology is concentrated on curricular applications and activities…

Assistive technology is guaranteed by law to be included when appropriate on individualized education plans (IEP) for young children with disabilities. Yet, the full potential of technology remains unfulfilled due to insufficient knowledge of options available, limited professional development, and a dearth of evidence on its effectiveness for…

This Canadian study reports on the experiences of parents whose children use cochlear implants and on their perspectives prior to and following the transition to Auditory-Verbal therapy. A qualitative case study design, framed in social-ecological theory, guided this research. Data collection procedures included a family information questionnaire,…

As distance education becomes a more common practice in teacher preparation, it is critical that students completing these programs be held to the same standards as students completing traditional university-based programs. The author examined the achievements of students in a preparation program for teachers of children with visual impairments in…

For most experienced educators, choosing software for children with disabilities is challenging as the number of programs in our technology rich marketplace increases dramatically. Purchasing titles for entertainment is much less complicated than selecting effective educational materials based upon sound instructional objectives through a…

This paper reports findings from an evaluation study of the Communication Aids Project (CAP), focussing on the perspective of children at points of educational transition and the parents, education staff and Speech and Language Therapists who support them. All participants took part in structured interviews, the individual children face-to-face on…

There is a great need to explore approaches for developing computer-based testing systems that are more accessible for people with disabilities. This report explores three prototype test delivery approaches, describing their development and formative evaluations. Fifteen adults, 2 to 4 from each of the six disability statuses--blindness, low…

The topic of assistive technology (AT) outcomes has only recently received attention in the professional literature. As a result, there is a considerable void in the profession's ability to address contemporary questions about the value and use of AT. The purpose of this article is to highlight the theory, development, and research efforts of the…

This book offers an updated look at the technologies that are impacting education. Designed for educators who are interested in the instructional applications of technology, the book provides information about current technology standards for students and teachers, as well as research related to the effectiveness of technology in education. It…