This booklet provides an introduction to assistive technology services for children and adults with disabilities in North Carolina. Key terms such as "self-advocacy" and "assistive technology" are explained, as are provisions of major state and federal legislation and Social Security Income for the families of children with…

This manual is designed to help advocates, including parents, obtain special education for children with disabilities residing in New Jersey. It explains the requirements of the federal statute governing special education--the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)--and the federal regulations implementing IDEA, as well as the state…

This guide reviews common questions that parents of children with disabilities have about joining a board or committee, and discusses the unique strengths and skills that parents of children with disabilities bring to the group. The first part focuses on deciding to join a board or committee. Reasons to join are presented, including having a…

Ways Black Americans can ensure that their children receive a high quality education are described in this handbook. Sections concern: (1) parents as partners and advocates; (2) what parents need to know and what they can learn from neighbors and friends, the district office, the school, and the principal; and (3) actions to take in the interest…

The handbook outlines due process procedures for parents and surrogate parents of handicapped children in Vermont. Section I presents definitions of such commonly used terms as informed consent, free appropriate public education, and least restrictive environment. A chart follows (in section II) which matches educational procedures, parental…

The guide presents six papers designed to help people become effective advocates for gifted and talented children. In "Effective Advocacy: Understanding the Process and Avoiding the Pitfalls," P. Mitchell considers such obstacles as using an adversarial rather than a persuasive approach and being impatient. She charts a procedure for more…

This handbook offers guidelines to help parents prepare adolescent children with chronic illnesses or disabilities for independent management of their health care needs. In each chapter, guidelines for handling transition issues are presented in the context of the experiences and reactions of actual parents. Each chapter concludes with a summary…

The yearly increase in the number of learning disabled (LD) students is considered, and it is suggested that the increase is one symptom of school systems' unwillingness to deal with the problems or underachievement. A need exists for special educators to differentiate between LD and underachieving students. Three alternatives to the problem are…

The mother of an extremely gifted boy relates her emotional response upon learning of his giftedness, especially her excitement at his potential and her fear that his uniqueness harbors hidden pitfalls. (JDD)

This book is an introduction to the problem of child sexual abuse. Written in simple and direct language, with illustrations to reinforce key points, the book offers the perspective of small communities and contains a section on how communities can organize to do something about the problem of sexual abuse. Intended for parents, teachers, family…

This digest offers guidelines for group advocacy efforts on behalf of gifted education. Four potential pitfalls are identified: using an adversarial rather than a persuasive approach; assuming that people in administrative and political positions are not too bright or not very knowledgeable--or both; being impatient; and ineffectively coping with…

The history and structural evolution of VOICE for Hearing-Impaired Children is described. Located in Toronto, Ontario, VOICE is the largest parent-support group of its kind in North America. Through its chapters and associated parents groups, it has implemented social and educational policy advocacy and various service delivery models. (Author/VW)

In response to requests for information from people and organizations all over the United States on how to contribute to the healthy development of young children, the Families and Work Institute has gathered concrete suggestions from leaders in diverse fields into this booklet of action tips. This effort was undertaken to support the "I Am Your…

Becoming familiar with the school district will help parents become active and involved partners in their child's education. Research has demonstrated that family involvement in children's education can boost their academic success. Knowing about the following areas, which are discussed in this information sheet, can help parental involvement at…

This book provides an accessible introduction to laws that affect children and families, and the dominant public debates that surround and drive these laws. Using real-world examples, the book exposes the tension between reliance on the private, autonomous family and the public's desire to secure child wellbeing. A look at some public systems,…