This manual is a guide to the use of assistive technology with Iowa students who have disabilities. Section 1 offers legal definitions and examples of assistive technology and is followed by a section that considers how assistive technology helps students by providing examples of assistive technology in the general education curriculum. Section 3…

Describes a person-centered planning approach for involving students with disabilities and their families in the transition planning process. Components of person-centered planning are discussed, including development of a personal profile, identification of future lifestyle preferences, action steps and responsible parties, and necessary changes…

Parents (n=234) and general and special education teachers (n=248) of high school students with disabilities were surveyed about their views on self-determination. Most parents believed the students should be taught skills and competencies underlying self-determination. However, more than one-third of the teachers indicated they were not familiar…

In this intervention study, training was found to increase the quality and extent of participation and accommodation documentation on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) of students with disabilities in three Illinois school districts. Correlations between what was documented on the IEP and what happened on testing day were highly variable.…

Discussion of requirements of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act examines key components of the IEP, who constitutes the IEP team, roadblocks to effective use of the IEP, the top 10 common problems in IEPs, making the most of the IEP, transition planning, and…

This article summarizes findings presented in a report by the Audit Commission on the provision for children with disabilities. It discusses widespread dissatisfaction with student assessment, development of statements, resource allocation to support children with special educational needs, and procedures to ensure services are effective.…

This article describes how parent representatives can effectively prepare for and conduct due process hearings as required under Public Law 94-142 when conflict resolution efforts fail. Key terms involved in the legislation are discussed, as are applications of the Attorney's Fee Act to minimize the financial burden involved in such litigation.…

Explains some of the significant provisions and recent case law developments in special education for the disabled in England. (78 footnotes) (MLF)

This study investigated the effectiveness of strategy instruction designed to foster the active participation of 11 high school students with disabilities in Individualized Education Program conferences. Results indicated that strategy-instructed students identified more goals and communicated more effectively during their conferences than did the…

This article describes the Laptop Computer Initiative (LCI), a program in a Delaware school district to enhance referral-to-placement practices and to develop individualized education programs for special education students. The six steps in the program's development are recounted and positive results of the LCI, such as increased staff efficiency…

Analyzes federal legislation, regulations, and litigation regarding the provision of an appropriate education for limited-English-proficient students who are also disabled. Examines the legal basis of the right to bilingual education and the requirements that educational agencies must meet. Discusses implications for school systems and educators.…

This paper points out that one way to infuse self-determination skill training into a comprehensive transition program is to teach students with disabilities to direct and manage their own Individualized Education Program. The transition policy of the Academic School District in Colorado Springs (Colorado) is presented as a model. (JDD)

Identifies the various types of costs that can result from the implementation of inclusive schooling in a school district so that the costs can be known and allowed for during the planning stage. (MLF)

Explores an integrated approach to technology, examines the transition of individuals with disabilities from historical and current perspectives, and provides an introduction and philosophical base for the articles which follow. Key provisions in federal legislation that affect transition and the technology applications are analyzed. (CR)

Provides an overview of some of the key provisions in the Individual with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 and its accompanying regulations. Discusses changes in provisions affecting student placement in the least restrictive environment, the Individualized Education Program including transitional services, funding, reevaluations, and…