This guide presents a comprehensive system of intervention designed to support teachers in early childhood education in inclusive environments and to satisfy federal regulations. The components of the "On Track" program enable teachers to assess an individual child's strengths and needs both at school and at home, to discover family priorities, to…

This manual is a guide to the use of assistive technology with Iowa students who have disabilities. Section 1 offers legal definitions and examples of assistive technology and is followed by a section that considers how assistive technology helps students by providing examples of assistive technology in the general education curriculum. Section 3…

The role of parents in the decision-making process of forming an individualized education program (IEP) for their hearing impaired child is explored. Characteristics of parents in school-related roles are discussed, including the role of student or learner about their child's handicapping condition and the role of advocate for the interests of…

Describes a person-centered planning approach for involving students with disabilities and their families in the transition planning process. Components of person-centered planning are discussed, including development of a personal profile, identification of future lifestyle preferences, action steps and responsible parties, and necessary changes…

Discussion of requirements of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act examines key components of the IEP, who constitutes the IEP team, roadblocks to effective use of the IEP, the top 10 common problems in IEPs, making the most of the IEP, transition planning, and…

This article reviews personality assessment of students with severe emotional disorders (SED) as mandated by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA). The EHA definition of SED, assessment strategies required by EHA guidelines, functional Individualized Education Plans, and the role of the school psychologist in the process are…

This article describes how parent representatives can effectively prepare for and conduct due process hearings as required under Public Law 94-142 when conflict resolution efforts fail. Key terms involved in the legislation are discussed, as are applications of the Attorney's Fee Act to minimize the financial burden involved in such litigation.…

This paper points out that one way to infuse self-determination skill training into a comprehensive transition program is to teach students with disabilities to direct and manage their own Individualized Education Program. The transition policy of the Academic School District in Colorado Springs (Colorado) is presented as a model. (JDD)

Identifies the various types of costs that can result from the implementation of inclusive schooling in a school district so that the costs can be known and allowed for during the planning stage. (MLF)

This manual is intended to help parents understand how to work with school systems to obtain the best possible education for their children with learning disabilities. The guide begins with a definition of learning disabilities and describes the characteristics of successful advocates. The importance of keeping written records of requests,…

This resource manual focuses on the development and enhancement of student program planning teams in schools oriented to inclusive education of students with disabilities. First, the terms inclusion, integration, and mainstreaming are clarified. Then, the challenge of developing instructional and behavioral plans that allow students to learn…

This individualized transition plan manual can be used by special and vocational educators in developing a curriculum plan for handicapped or special needs learners based on career goals and job selection. The introductory sections provide a description of the individual transition planning model, an outline of communication skills, and a list of…

Intended to help parents of handicapped children when they meet in partnership with public school staff to discuss their child's educational needs, the handbook presents an overview of federal and Maryland state legislation regarding children with handicaps and summarizes the special education process. The initial section, on building a…

The booklet is designed to emphasize in simple terms the important points of the federal and state (Illinois) law related to special education. The following topics are covered: special education parents (parent role); parent-school partnerships (parent training); mandates for special education; individualized education programs (content,…

The manual outlines Michigan's procedures in providing special education services to students with emotional impairments. The first section depicts the special education process, beginning with pre-referral intervention strategies and referral and proceeding to evaluation, the individualized educational planning committee (IEPC) meeting, delivery…