Focuses on school-based enterprises as a school-to-work option. These programs provide hands-on training for students with mild disabilities in for-profit ventures with the structure and supervision available in a school setting. Program development for operating for-profit enterprises is discussed and steps for getting the business started are…

Describes a program of New York's Keller School (a school for toddlers and preschoolers with communication, cognitive, and emotional disorders), which promotes meaningful family involvement through parent education. Activities to promote parent participation are described, including an annual poster session to present the parents' own data on…

This article describes how one inclusive middle school addressed needs of students with significant disabilities for functional community-referenced skills including clothing purchases, buying groceries, eating out, crossing the street, doing laundry, and using a microwave. Program development, program organization, and involvement of peers…

This article describes an ongoing support program in a Head Start program for grandparents who are serving as the primary caretakers of their grandchildren. Information is provided on the program's purpose and goals, the grandparents who attend, how meetings are run, experiences and incidental learning, and the progression of the group. (DB)

Provides a set of guidelines for conducting successful community resource fairs to help students with disabilities and their family prepare for the future. A countdown of organizational activities, plus follow-up actions, is provided, and a checklist of 30 steps to use when organizing a community resource fair is included. (CR)

A resource room teacher describes a three-part mini-workshop in learning disability awareness for general and special education elementary grade students. An overview of the workshop is followed by description of preworkshop activities and preparation and implementation of each of the three sessions. Insets and tables provide a summary of the…

Provides guidance for teachers and administrators in developing and implementing ability awareness programs designed to foster greater understanding of people with disabilities and increase students' sensitivity toward individual differences. Topics include choosing a program coordinator, establishing a committee, planning meetings, clarifying…

Discusses strategies for encouraging student participation in the development of an Individualized Education Program for a child with a disability. Outlines the significant steps in the process including developing a vision, prioritizing learning needs, collaborative problem solving, setting goals, and planning the intervention. (CR)

The Peer Education Program (PEP) of Hillside University Demonstration School in California gives typical intermediate-level students and students with intensive needs mutually beneficial experiences as they learn, work, and play together. PEP leaders work with younger students on reading, math, art, physical education, and computer skills. The…

Discussion of mentorship between students with emotional/behavioral disorders (EBD) considers justifications for such mentoring relationships, guidelines for establishing a mentorship program, and an account of implementation of a mentorship project involving African American males with EBD (four mentors (ages 13-15) and five proteges (ages…

Describes a physical fitness program for secondary students with mental retardation. The program was university based and used college students in a 60-minute program, 30 minutes of fitness exercises and 30 minutes of sports and recreational activities. Addresses administrative concerns and the program generalizability and applicability. (DB)

This article explores ways to include self-determination and self-advocacy goals and objectives in individualized education programs (IEPs). It identifies self-determination goals and offers guidelines on selection and writing of self-determination goals. Insets and tables include a review of the literature, definitions of self-determination…

This article provides strategies for improving parent information sessions and engaging parents in the support of their children's (including children with disabilities) education. Strategies include using parent-friendly teaching materials, scheduling meetings for family convenience, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere, and providing…

This article examines the provision of effective services for students with emotional or behavioral disorders and recommends a broad spectrum of individualized interventions. A theoretical framework is provided and specific components to be included in an effective behavior change plan are described. A sample individualized education program is…

Describes a family life/sexuality education program for young people with moderate and severe mental retardation. Emphasis is on program effectiveness (demonstrated through field testing), program development strategies, development of a guidebook for training the trainers, curriculum content, parent involvement, instructional variety, and program…