This exploratory study employed qualitative methodology to analyze interview data that emerged from face-to-face interviews with eight parents of four children with autism spectrum disorder. The study focused on the roles these parents played as they monitored their children's educational programs and interacted with school professionals. The…

As a service to the community to protect the legal rights of students, this manual is designed to provide the legal information New York state parents and professionals need in order to become more effective educational advocates. It is not intended as a definitive legal resource, but rather as a guide for structuring a legally sound argument to…

There is a high rate of children's injuries on America's playgrounds. This report examines this issue and provides guidance on how to make playgrounds safer and more fun for children, and procedures for performing an initial analysis of the safety of a local playground using a playground safety checklist. Additionally, it provides a step-by-step…

This handbook was produced to help Maine families of children with disabilities to deal positively with their situations and children. It provides insights into services that have been developed, problems that may arise, and resources available. The handbook discusses types of developmental disabilities; the role of parents as advocates;…

This report provides an account of the discussions and issues from a symposium held by the International League of Societies for Persons with Mental Handicap in November, 1984. It describes: (1) the role of voluntary organizations in the future; (2) the need for strong advocacy of the organization's goals; (3) the issue of whether voluntary…

Grandparents will often realize--even before parents--that a child is gifted, and that the child will need additional emotional and intellectual sustenance. Features of this book include: (1) Early signs of giftedness; (2) Special needs and areas of concern; (3) Unique roles of grandparents; (4) Building a bond with a grandchild; (5) Maximizing…

This paper is designed to enable disability activists, parents, and advocates to negotiate effectively. It begins by describing negotiations for short-term or long-term changes and different approaches for negotiating. Steps for preparing for negotiation are listed, along with strategies: (1) control the negotiation session; (2) never negotiate…

A more effective partnership for the advocacy of integrated educational options can be formed when parents and professionals work in concert. Eleven strategies for securing integrated options are offered, including working with the media, working within other advocacy organizations, influencing others in the school system, and consulting with…

Gifted girls receive mixed messages from American culture that both encourage and limit them, often affecting their peer relationships. Parents should be their strongest personal allies, playing a vital role in their gifted daughters' development, encouraging their self-esteem, and helping them realize their greatest potential. (SM)

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)

This article discusses the efforts made by urban schools in upgrading their translation services. The New York City school system is setting up, for the first time, a centralized office to routinely translate school information into eight different languages. Factors fueling the attention include a rising number of students with limited English…

The purpose of this guide is to assist those involved in the transition planning process to help students with disabilities achieve a smooth transition from school to adult life. The guide addresses topics that deal with the preparation of students with disabilities as they leave high school. The guide's eight chapters deal with: (1) defining…

Focus group findings from 34 African American parents in an urban southern school district unmask subtle and concealed aspects of involvement. In contrast to formalized school-sponsored parent activities, involvement is described by participants as their encompassing a physical presence at the school to monitor their children's behavior, receiving…

Two brief papers provide reasons to support self-determination for students with disabilities, with one paper written from the perspective of educators and one written from the parents' perspective. Each paper discusses 11 benefits of self-determination, including: (1) personal control, (2) motivation, (3) prosocial behaviors, (4) self-awareness,…

The guide, intended to complement developed curricula for parents, professionals, and consumers concerning access and use of assistive technology, focuses on appropriate technology for young children with disabilities. A question and answer format is used to address: terms used in the guide, service considerations (e.g., the role of evaluation in…