The article traces the initial development of respite care in the 1970s to a variety of creative urban and rural program models found in the United States by the early 1980s. Implications for advocacy, funding, and further research indicate the growing need for and acceptance of this essential family support system. (Author/CL)

This article summarizes the results of a recent role and function study completed in 2004 to determine the prevailing domains of disability management practice. The study also sought to establish an empirical basis for a certification exam for disability management specialists consistent with evolving standards of practice. Based on the expert…

The guide consists of six author contributed chapters and is intended to aid in the development of new rehabilitation technology service delivery programs as well as increasing the effectiveness of existing programs. The first chapter, by Roger Smith, describes and evaluates seven models of service delivery in rehabilitation technology. Chapter 2,…

The paper suggests that a general pattern of special education development exists and uses that historical perspective to create a context for comparison and understanding of the path of special education in the less economically developed country of Mexico. Drawing upon primary sources, it describes the evolutionary path of special education in…

The report examines the development of education services for exceptional children in Duval County Public Schools (Jacksonville, Florida) from 1976-1986. Changes are noted in the context of such general trends as declining then increasing enrollments, the back-to-basic movement, and the stress on competency testing. The impact of the passage of…

This article describes activities of a federally sponsored project called Identifying Emerging Technologies for Students with Disabilities, and identifies trends in the areas of general technology, educational technology, national education initiatives, and educational practices. (DB)

This response to a previous article considers future trends in special education in urban and correctional settings. Discussion focuses on necessary components of such special education programs and critical issues related to the recruitment, training, and retention of sufficient numbers of qualified teachers (particularly minorities) to provide…

Six presentations and a discussion summary are included from a 1981 symposium on educating handicapped infants. N. Johnson, "Assessment in Infant Education: Paradigms and Problems," notes shortcomings in current assessment approaches and addresses the importance of diagnosis, identification of educational goals, and evaluation of child…

The article reviews the current situation in preschool special education: who is served, how they are served, and program costs; predicted is program expansion under Public Law 99-457. A strategy is recommended for developing state preschool special education policies that take into account costs as well as benefits. (Author/DB)

This paper offers a literature review of materials concerning inclusion of students with disabilities, and reports on the 3-year development of an inclusion program at one elementary school in Texas. The literature review is organized into sections which address legislative initiatives and law, special education programs with mainstreaming, the…

This qualitative research project examined employment opportunities for youth with disabilities in Central America. Despite economic problems, high unemployment, architectural barriers, and attitudinal barriers, the study found innovations in financing, special education and rehabilitation programing, job development, and job placement…

This article describes the evolution of the graduate-level teacher preparation program in early childhood education at the University of Colorado. The current program blends early childhood regular and special education to prepare students for roles in inclusive early childhood environments. Process variables in program change are identified.…

This document identifies program planning, development, and evaluation issues related to delivering vocational rehabilitation services designed to promote job retention and career advancement for individuals with disabilities. The seven chapters cover the following topics: (1) implications of major work trends for job placement, retention, and…

This report updates information on a previous synthesis of information currently available on the development of educational outcomes and a system of indicators for students with disabilities. Specifically, it provides information on the key national policy groups involved in outcomes-related activities and on key reports that have been produced…

This paper examines the role that public policy and practice play in supporting the efforts of natural, adoptive, and foster families who have children and youth with disabilities in keeping their families intact. Obstacles and barriers to implementing the philosophy of permanence planning, especially for children and youth with disabilities, are…