The intent of this book is to help a parent or teacher make informed decisions about which medium (book, television, computer game, film) to select, how to present these materials to children, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of the medium. This book equips the reader to answer three basic questions: (1) What is distinctive about story…

Parent guidelines for selecting appropriate software for three- to five-year-olds address trying the software out, what to look for, and what to expect. Evaluation criteria cover appropriate vocabulary level, individual needs, child involvement, target audience, creative presentation, and useful feedback. (CB)

Ideas are presented for identifying, evaluating, and selecting instructional software for children with special needs. The article notes several library research tools as sources of information and lists specific questions to consider when evaluating software. (JDD)

This booklet provides basic information about computers, assistive devices for computers, and computer software for young children with disabilities. Guidelines for assessing the child's readiness for computers are provided, as are tips on planning computer-related goals and incorporating computer use into the Individual Family Service Plan and…

This book reviews over 250 computer programs oriented toward the three- to six-year age range. Each program has been screened with checklists designed to rate such factors as ease of use, content strength, instructional design, and developmental appropriateness. The opening section contains an alphabetical list of all the software titles covered,…

This booklet provides information about access to computers through alternate keyboards used by students who have physical impairments. Part 1 describes a typical technology team and the alternate keyboard selection process. Part 2 discusses the practical aspects of everyday teaching and living with an alternate keyboard user and includes…

Severely physically disabled children may need special communication techniques or aids to help them in conversation/interaction and writing. An individual with speech problems may need an augmentative communication system, and selection of the right system, whether non-electronic or electronic, can be a complex process. To assist in the task of…

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…