Intended for feminist, educational, and disability rights groups, the manual examines the connection between discrimination based on gender and discrimination based on disability. Disability is addressed as a political, civil rights issue, a human relations issue, and as a personal experience. Background information on the disability rights…

Describes an all-day conciousness raising program designed to teach elementary school students about the disabled. The program described consisted of oral presentations and a theater performance by disabled individuals; it was presented to 270 students at Mary A. Hubbard School in Ramsey, New Jersey. (GC)

Describes a situation in which a middle school child with poor attendance due to medical problems was denied a place in the school's show choir. She subsequently became depressed as her mother fought for her right to participate and the school actively excluded her. The paper examines the mother's complaint under the Americans with Disabilities…

The exclusion of disabled children from ordinary schools, which occurred routinely in England until the late twentieth century, is mirrored in the way disability and difference have been largely ignored in the history of education. The first half of this paper outlines some of the key developments that have taken place in the field of education…

Nearly one third of the more than six million students with disabilities in U.S. public schools are of traditional high school age. Though research indicates that the majority of high school-age students with disabilities and their parents are satisfied with the services they receive, many still face barriers and challenges to receiving an…

Examines the institutional construction of soft or mild disability by special education as a process of pre-incarceration in schools. Argues that labels of soft disability suspend the educational and citizenship participation of disadvantaged students. Outlines variation and inquiry as alternative concepts that may reverse the negative school…

Reviews developments in 2000 in the law of disability discrimination as it relates to higher education, which falls into five categories: (1) definition of a qualified individual; (2) accommodations, access, undue burden, and fundamental alteration of programs; (3) intentional discrimination, harassment, and retaliation; (4) Eleventh Amendment…

This article provides an overview of how the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) affects employment of individuals with disabilities. Examples from congressional reports are included in discussions of each of the five Titles; definition of disability; and specific provisions concerning essential job functions, reasonable accommodations,…

This pamphlet outlines the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination against students on the basis of handicap, in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. The evaluation and placement procedures that schools must carry out to determine the educational needs of a…

The job accommodation needs of adults with specific learning disabilities are examined through an analysis of cases handled by the Job Accommodation Network. Case examples are included, which provide practical solutions to common situations involving these adults in the employment environment. Resources available for making accommodations are…

Describes the emergence and the content of "new disability studies," an emerging field of critical inquiry in literary and language studies. Looks at how it is contributing to a more tolerant academic community. Shows how considering the development and goals of this new field can help improve understanding of what constitutes tolerance…

This article traces the development of the concept of "audism" from its inception in the mid-1970s by exploring three distinct dimensions of oppression: individual, institutional, and metaphysical. Although the first two aspects of audism have been identified, there is a deeply rooted belief system regarding language and human identity that is yet…

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a national law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. The nondiscrimination requirements of the law apply to employers and organizations that receive financial assistance from any Federal department or agency, including the U.S. Department of Health and…

Discusses the historical development of special education in England and France using Michel Foucault's distinction between traditional and effective history. States attitudes and practices relating to difference are culture specific. Concludes that a variety of means should be used in challenging and interpreting other positions taken when…

Rights for people with mental handicaps include claim rights and moral rights, which are associated with routine discrimination and fundamental discrimination, respectively. In Britain, people with mental handicaps are routinely denied both types of rights. Greater protection would be offered through a "Code of Practice" and consistent…