While any child can be a target of bullying, children with disabilities can be especially vulnerable. Research concerning children with disabilities and bullying indicates an increased risk for children with special needs. This article discusses how parents can help protect their children with disabilities from bullying and its devastating effects…

Navigating the parenting role is tricky at the best of times but, finding one's way with a child that has special needs is even more demanding and difficult. This is a path that may not have been traveled by family and friends. Loneliness, disappointment, frustration, and a sense of failure can make the journey miserable. The challenges can become…

Too often, parents of children with disabilities come with negative expectations about the intentions of the teachers and administrators who are proposing an education plan for their son or daughter. In preparation, they arm themselves with advocates, lawyers, and a myriad of outside evaluations in preparation for the "battle" ahead. In…

The article examines legal options for parents concerning guardianship of disabled offspring. A distinction is made among plenary guardian, limited guardian, and guardian of the estate. Also considered are public guardianship programs, private guardianship corporations, and the National Continuity Program which provides funds for locally delivered…

When it comes to making the right choices for children with disabilities, families are the experts. To prove this point, the Hatton Project sponsored a grant wherein researchers interviewed members of 12 families of children with disabilities on factors that caused them to identify themselves as "successful." The results yielded eight lessons…

As more and more children are being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome (AS), more parents are wondering what the future will be like for their child. Because of the challenges faced by youth with AS, it is important for parents and teachers to work together to guide high school students with AS through a successful transition to the adult world.…

The mother of a handicapped child recounts her development of assertiveness skills in the interests of her child. She discusses needing to be constantly alert during her child's infancy, dealing with her own feelings of grief and guilt, fighting for her son's rights against bureaucratic obstacles, and learning the appropriate times to exercise…

The article defines "supported employment" for severely disabled persons and describes a Maryland parent training program which focused on understanding the range of employment options, the components of the supported work model, and actions to promote supported employment options. A hypothetical case study examined by parents in the course is…

The Parent Advocacy Network is designed to develop in parents of handicapped children strategies for being a mediator and/or an advocate with the schools. Such an approach focuses on parents' need for information, self confidence, and understanding of ways to assume power in school decisionmaking. (CL)

This article reviews court litigation to prevent school systems from drawing on a family's health insurance or other family resources to pay for required educational benefits such as physical and occupational therapy. Parents are encouraged to withhold insurance information from schools and get help from advocacy organizations. (DB)

Two parents recount experiences in keeping their severely physically disabled daughter in regular classes within their neighborhood school against the stated policy and pressures of the school system. Stressed is the value of group action by parents and the power of individuals speaking up. (DB)

This discussion of funding for assistive technology devices for children with disabilities addresses how to locate community funding sources, set priorities, increase peoples' awareness of technological applications, and encourage parental involvement. An annotated bibliography lists seven items on funding, and a chart shows an example of an…

Twelve 1996 issues of "Exceptional Parent" magazine provide a variety of articles and resources on parenting the child or young adult with a disability. The January issue is a resource guide, with directories of national organizations, associations, products, and services. The February issue focuses on early childhood, including articles…