This article aims to strengthen the ability of parents of special needs children to function as stronger, more resilient parents by developing coping mechanisms. Coping mechanisms include allowing oneself to cry, dealing with anger, determining objectively the reasons for the anger, using anger constructively, finding support, becoming flexible,…

The role of school-related stress in the life of the disabled child is examined, and parents and teachers are given suggestions to reduce stress and help the child cope. Stress is defined as the emotional and physical reaction to the pressures that society places upon the child to conform and live up to expectations. Among sources of stress are…

This special issue focuses on needs of parents of children with disabilities. In the first article, "You Are Not Alone," Patricia McGill Smith considers the emotions that many parents of exceptional children experience and offers a perspective for living and coping with the impact of disability upon the family. The second article,…

This theme issue addresses special concerns of single parents of children with disabilities. Parents are encouraged to give themselves time to heal, to feel their feelings, and to find a support group. Developing a positive attitude is also encouraged through pointing out some advantages to the single parent role and suggestions on becoming a…

This theme issue focuses on the relationship of fathers and their children with disabilities. It reports a study of 86 Kansas fathers of children (ages 5 to 8) with and without disabilities. The study was conducted in order to identify more options for fathers wishing to increase their involvement with their children. The study sent surveys of…

This volume focuses on therapeutic recreation, as a subject of inquiry and as a treatment tool. The 11 articles include original field based research, program development initiatives, issue and theory of practice papers, and original tutorials in assessment and research. The article titles are: "The Role of Leisure Education with Family…

The challenges that families face in caring for a child with a disability or a chronic illness are reviewed in this report on respite care. A parent's narrative describes the difficulties in providing around-the-clock care to a child with a chronic illness. The benefits of respite care are outlined as follows: gives the family peace of mind,…

Three newsletters focus on disability issues. The first provides an overview of the nature of learning disabilities (LD) and intervention approaches for the condition. Research on effective educational methods for use with LD students is reviewed for such topic areas as the transition from school to work and independent living. Suggestions for…

Designed to respond to the information needs of parents of children with disabilities, this digest includes articles on coping with and raising a child with a disability. In the first article, "You Are Not Alone" (Patricia McGill Smith), a parent of a child with a disability speaks candidly about the emotions that many parents of…

This collection of papers focuses on working with adults who have special needs. In her paper entitled "Literacy and the Visually Handicapped," Janice E. Mason examines ways in which strategies for meeting the needs of visually handicapped persons can be integrated into literacy programs. "Singer and Listener: Basic Education Work…

These four newsletters from the South Carolina Department of Education focus on teaching and serving students with disabilities. The first newsletter includes articles addressing ways that special education professionals can be good to themselves so they can meet the needs of exceptional children; strategies for instructing children with attention…