Although community-based treatment strategies have gained in prominence, recipients of those services still suffer from negative labeling and public reactions. To investigate differential effects of labels and/or descriptions of handicaps on attitudes toward disabilities, two studies were conducted. In the first study, 140 college students (65%…

Reports on 2 studies of the perceptions of 51 nonhandicapped children about severe learning difficulties. Finds that the understanding of severe learning difficulties can be interpreted in terms of three conceptual changes. Discusses these changes in the broader context of the development of social cognition. (CFR)

Contends that it is important to eliminate negative attitudes and discriminatory behavior toward children and adults with disabilities. Reports on a study of the effect of a unit on the history of treatment of persons with disabilities on 142 nondisabled students enrolled in 7 10th-grade social studies classes. (CFR)

Reports on a study of instructional strategies and classroom techniques used by art teachers for children with disabilities. Finds that in both segregated and integrated art education settings, a balanced, comprehensive art education program is possible with all students. (CFR)

Discusses the treatment of Gypsies and the handicapped by Nazi Germany. Emphasizes that Gypsy populations were decimated in the same percentages as the Jews. Presents information and dates to show parallel developments of racial regulations against Jews, Gypsies, and the handicapped. Urges further research and historiography on the fate of Gypsies…