This publication describes several national initiatives focusing on the need for cultural pluralism among professionals and support services for parents of young children with disabilities. The publication begins with a discussion of new laws, funding initiatives and programs, and special projects of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S.…

This project worked to help community programs and interagency groups develop fluid organizational structures and better assist staff and parents in the provision of family-centered, community-based early intervention services for young children with disabilities and their families. Highlights of the service model include transdisciplinary…

Teachers who have been trained to work with normal young children (early childhood certification) or with older handicapped children (special education certification) are often unprepared to assume the multiple responsibilities of the teacher of preschool handicapped children. The purpose of this project was to address this need by implementing…

This report examines various vocational rehabilitation models that serve American Indians and Alaska Natives with disabilities, with examples and case studies to demonstrate how the models work in real client-counselor situations. Stressed throughout is the importance of issues of cultural diversity, cultural competency, and self-determination.…

This book provides an introduction to early intervention programs, focusing on programs that reflect a transactional model of family-centered services employing collaborative and interdisciplinary techniques. Chapter 1 presents the historical context of early intervention services. Chapter 2 defines the various disabilities and risk conditions.…

This collection of 11 essays on bilingual special education addresses both theoretical and practical issues. The essays are: "Bilingual Special Education: The Important Connection" (Angela L. Carrasquillo); "Using Language Assessment Data for Language and Instructional Planning for Exceptional Bilingual Students" (Alba A.…

This book on an anti-bias approach to early childhood education addresses aspects of diversity such as gender, race, and language within Australian society and provides strategies for working with families and staff to challenge existing attitudes and practices. Key features of the book include case studies showing anti-bias principles in action,…

This proceedings reports on a national conference which explored means of eliminating and reducing barriers to employment, educational opportunities, and rehabilitative services for minority individuals with disabilities. Section I, titled "Policy Implications and Future Forecasts," contains five papers with the following titles and authors:…