Examines developments related to people with disabilities, many of whom are realizing the goal of full participation in community life, moving away from special institutions and other more restrictive settings. Notes that social, political, and technological developments have sustained this movement. Advocates commitment to basic beliefs and…

The article responds to a parent's questions on an exceptional child's readiness for mainstreaming. Lists of information to be gathered, both before the individual planning conference and at the conference, are provided, including information on such areas as possible placements and educational goals of different programs. (PHR)

This booklet describes how many institutions of higher education have mainstreamed disabled students more fully into campus life, and provides information to students who are disabled to help them find the college campus that fits their needs. Information is provided on institutional programs for the disabled among the youthful undergraduate…

The author recounts her experiences in serving as a resource person setting up a mainstreamed program for a seventh-grade girl with multiple disabilities. The need for inservice training so that all personnel involved are aware of the circumstances of the disabled student is stressed. (PHR)

Discusses the nature of special education in Central America and the Caribbean, including policies, programs, definitions, and attitudes regarding disabilities. Also highlights factors in mainstream education that may be related to U.S. educators' perceptions of disabilities and offers recommendations for U.S. educators, especially…

This report reviews and compares the legal rights of students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The first and second sections detail the statutory framework of the laws and legal requirements pertaining to eligibility, identification, and local and…

The problems of integrating the physically handicapped child are discussed including descriptions of major handicapping conditions, a discussion of the development of mainstreaming programs, suggestions for successful programs, and comments on the financial implications of mainstreaming. (MM)

Introduces a model that incorporates the skills needed for developing friendships, with the purpose being to help students with disabilities and their nondisabled peers develop the skills necessary for forming lasting friendships. Concludes that positive mainstreaming will be achieved only when nondisabled students accept peers with disabilities.…

Factors effecting the success of preschool early intervention programs for children birth through age five are discussed. Specific issues covered include building a high quality program, maintaining quality instruction, integrating related services, providing the least restrictive environment, identifying participants, designing the delivery…

Community-based rehabilitation for disabled people has proved to have serious shortcomings, especially in terms of vocational training. The broader concept of community integration programs involves disabled people and local institutions in training and employment efforts to integrate the disabled into normal community life. (SK)

The paper describes a technique for mapping the social structure of a class to assess some effects of mainstreaming. Sociometric choices mapped through smallest space analysis generate maps that depart radically from traditional target sociograms and provide new bases for assessing social achievement. (PHR)

The school nurse plays a significant role in the education of the handicapped as a result of Public Law 94-142. (MM)

The consulting teacher model may improve educational service in the mainstream to mildly handicapped children and other children at risk but should be implemented only with sufficient attention, resources, and planning. Potential problems include ineffective caseload management, inadequate training of regular and special educators, and…

Discusses the role of the elementary school counselor in working with children who have cerebral palsy. Describes interventions for physical and emotional problems and provides recommendations for meeting the needs of children and their parents. (JAC)

Presents helpful suggestions for counseling handicapped children. Includes brief review of the literature, then presents rationale for basing counseling model on environmental-experiential approach to developing personal and social growth. Provides three sets of directions for establishing and maintaining environment and two sets of instructions…