Basic information about Social Security and Supplementary Security Income benefits for children with disabilities is presented in a question-and-answer format. The following questions are addressed: "How can a child get benefits from Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?"; "How is eligibility determined?";…

One alternative to the insurance crisis faced by school districts is self-insurance, either through pooling or capital market funding. After a brief discussion of the insurance issue, research and literature dealing specifically with self-insurance through pooling and capital market funding are described. Finally, an assesment is made of the…

The document results from part of the Policy Options Project which identified and analyzed policy issues related to the delivery of appropriate services to preschool handicapped children and their families in terms of the need for assuring appropriate services, the factors affecting such policies, and policy approaches for the implementation of…

The paper defines the handicapped student, reviews legislation affecting the handicapped, points out funding for mainstreaming of students, and describes approaches to providing business education to the handicapped. Three broad categories of disability--physical, mental/emotional, and educational--are defined. The mandates of the Education for…

How to best finance education is a matter of major concern, both because of the cost of education, and because of its relationship to national progress and security. Confusion about educational funding is not necessary if the major questions that are of special concern to all citizens are identified. This document outlines basic elements for…

Basic information about respite care for individuals with disabilities and their families is presented in a question-and-answer format. The following questions are addressed: "What is respite?"; "Who needs respite services?"; "Who provides respite services?"; "What kinds of services are provided?"; "How…

Schools and businesses often form mutually beneficial partnerships to improve the quality of education. Businesses sponsor most projects by donating equipment, special awards, and corporate staff time for guest lectures. The concern for the productivity of their future work force inspires the interest of businesses in partnerships. On the national…

A wide variety of fundraising options is available to public schools. Such traditional school fundraising events as sales of student pictures, bake sales, carnivals, plays, magazine sales, concessions, and fruit sales can raise significant amounts if handled properly. Corporations, foundations, and charitable trusts provide a very small share of…

This issue paper focuses on financial aspects of special education, with implications for state and local education policymakers. Background information is supplied on the mandate for free appropriate public education contained in P.L. 94-142, The Education For All Handicapped Children Act. Subsequent sections address the following topics: the…

Microcomputers for school use have been financed with funds from many sources. This article briefly describes funding sources and uses of microcomputers in numerous schools and colleges. (MLF)

This paper considers the use of parental fees and private insurance as sources of funding for early intervention services under Part H of Public Law 99-457, the 1986 amendments to the Education of the Handicapped Act. First, relevant legislative authorities are cited including the Maternal and Child Health Service Block Grant (1981) and guidelines…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to summarize information on estate planning and trusts for parents of a child with mental retardation. Questions and answers address the following topics: the importance of careful financial planning for someone with mental retardation; how inheritances affect the child's eligibility for…

This information package explores a "housing/support services" approach to residential services for individuals with severe disabilities. It provides an introduction to housing strategies and resources that can be used to promote home ownership by parents and people with disabilities, to make all housing more accessible, and to increase the…

This factsheet discusses England's 1988 Education Reform Act's position regarding the right of every student under 20 years of age to full-time education, regardless of disability or learning difficulty. Special emphasis is put on the responsibilities local education agencies face as a result. Summaries of other relevant legislation are also…

Describes in four articles the political role of the social workers both nationally and at the state and local levels, including advice on how to give effective legislative testimony. Experience with California's Proposition 13 illustrates the impact of taxes on human service programs and the need for legislative advocacy. (JAC)