The literature on twice-exceptionality suggests one of the main problems facing twice-exceptional children is that there is no consensus on the definition of the terms "disability" or "giftedness" and, consequently, the term "twice-exceptional". Endeavoring to define these specific terms loops back on itself to…

This paper attempts to illuminate a central concept and idea in special education discourse, namely, "special needs". It analyses philosophically what needs are and on what grounds they are defined as "special" or "exceptional". It also discusses whether sorting needs into ordinary and special is discriminatory. It is argued that individualistic…

Basic information about the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is presented in a question-and-answer format. The following questions are addressed: "What is the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?"; "Why is the ADA needed?"; "How is disability defined by the ADA?"; "What does the ADA…

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 article discusses the movement toward focusing on the individual rather than the disabling condition when referring to people with disabilities and contrasts acceptable and unacceptable terminology for people with different types of disabilities. The terms "impairment,""disability," and "handicap" are defined. (CR)

In administering its 300-plus programs, HEW begins the enforcement of a wide-ranging law to protect the rights of more than 36 million handicapped individuals living in the United States. (Editor)

This report explores current assumptions about the social and scientific formulations and treatments of disability that currently underlie the research agenda in the disability field. Formulations that focus on disability as residing in the individual (Individual Pathology) are discussed. Treatment strategies resulting from this definition of…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 outlaws discrimination against people with disabilities. It is a bold and comprehensive law affecting employment, transportation, services provided by state and local government, services and accommodations offered by private businesses, and telecommunication access for people with communication…

Developed by the Illinois Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, this guide is intended to help parents and other laypersons communicate more knowledgeably and effectively with professionals who work with handicapped persons, as well as with handicapped individuals themselves. Section I offers suggestions for interpersonal…

Focuses on the operational meanings of the following terms--"handicapped individual,""otherwise qualified,""reasonable accommodation," and "essential functions of the job"--as developed primarily in federal court decisions concerned with employment issues associated with handicapped persons in public…

The monograph addresses legal issues involving discrimination against handicapped persons and the key legal requirement of reasonable accommodation. Four chapters in Part I examine background issues, including definitions and statistical overviews of handicaps; historical attitudes toward handicapped persons and an analysis of the extent of…

Numerous interpretation problems currently exist in the statutory and regulatory definition of "handicapped individual." The three-part definition as set forth in section 504 of the 1974 amendments is analyzed, and potential sources of controversy are identified in each section. Possible applications of such a broad definition are…

This handbooks is intended to provide Alaska state agencies and other employers in Alaska with a reference guide to assist in meeting the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The first section briefly reports on a national survey to measure business awareness, attitudes, and reactions to the Act. Summarized…