The decade of the 1980s is reviewed for its impact on disability services in Australia. Beginning with the International Year of Disabled Persons, focus during the decade was on integration of disabled persons into the classroom and community. Governmental policy initiatives at the national and state level are contributing to ongoing change. (DB)

This paper describes factors which influence the development of relationships between individuals with disabilities and "typical" people. People with disabilities are often separated from their families and communities, cast into roles of dependency and passivity, and kept at a social distance from other community members. Typical…

A study of co-worker involvement among 264 supported employees found that, of 7 types of involvement, "associating" occurred most often, followed by "evaluating" and "training." Employees in mobile work crews experienced less co-worker involvement than those employed in clustered or individual placements, and more…

The central purpose of mainstreaming is to integrate handicapped students with nonhandicapped peers. It is the teacher's responsibility to foster positive and constructive interactions between handicapped students and their peers. Three ways of organizing constructive peer interaction are: (1) cooperation; (2) competition; and (3) an…

Definitions of least restrictive environment (LRE), inclusive education, and mainstreaming are offered, supported by position statements and policies of the Michigan Board of Education, Michigan Department of Education, and the Council for Exceptional Children. Thirty-six terms related to inclusive education, such as integrated education and…

This article, in the form of a letter from the parent of a teenager to parents of younger children with disabilities, encourages parents to take advantage of integrated educational opportunities for their children. Negative aspects of segregated education are illustrated with examples from the teenager's life. (DB)

The Personal Integration Inventory is a "survey" that can be used to look at the life of a single developmentally disabled individual and the extent to which s/he is becoming integrated into his/her community. It focuses on the day-to-day experiences and interactions of people who live in community settings and should be completed by…

This document consists of three separately published two-fold brochures. The three brochures provide guidelines for families of persons with disabilities to assess the level of integration efforts by local school districts and special education cooperatives. Guidelines are presented in the form of yes-no questions about administrative commitment,…

The paper reviews trends in the integration of young disabled children and proposes replacement of the traditional concept of least restrictive environment as a continuum of placement with a concept of integration opportunities determined by individual child needs, family needs, and community resources. The need for integrated service delivery…

A survey of 122 social work professionals from Austria, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Switzerland identified practical issues related to the everyday functioning and social integration of disabled and elderly persons. Respondents expressed the desire for more effective teaching materials to communicate client needs to the able-bodied. (JW)

Research on employment, residential, and social outcomes of youth with disabilities transitioning from school to adult activities is reviewed, finding that young adults with disabilities become less integrated into employment, independent living, and community activities as they age. Variables that may enhance community integration outcomes are…

Intended for parents, school personnel, and leisure staff, this booklet outlines ways a community can overcome obstacles that keep youth with disabilities from enjoying their leisure. First the nature of leisure is considered and a self-evaluation questionnaire is presented. Consideration of leisure in the lives of teenagers with disabilities…

This guide offers specific recommendations to Texas school districts concerning the implementation of least restrictive environment (LRE) requirements for students with disabilities. Suggestions are grouped according to six issues recommended for consideration in the decision making process: These are: (1) the primacy of the individual student's…

This issue of "Transition Summary" contains articles about self-determination and becoming a good self-advocate, with each article reflecting the experience of someone who has grown up with a disability. "The Many Facets of Self-Determination" (Michael Ward) discusses the concept of self-determination; offers an historical perspective of the…

The report presents six papers describing a Tennessee study to assess the status of the supported employment initiative, determine the importance and implementation of best practice elements, and ascertain perceptions of supported employment customers toward implementation. Major findings include the following: at the time of the study supported…