There is often intense and passionate debate about the inclusion of those students with the most complex social learning and behavioural needs. This paper, written from a parent's perspective, is based on a case study of a 15-year-old adolescent with severe and high functioning autism that was comparatively well-resourced through the new…

The handbook details the rights of parents and children according to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142) and the California Master Plan for Special Education of 1977 (AB 1250). Under the heading "Rights and Responsibilities" are discussed such aspects as basic regulations according to P.L. 94-142,…

Five years ago, the Cecil County Public Schools in Maryland embarked on an aggressive schedule to fully include all students with special needs in the regular education setting to be consistent with the most recent interpretation of "least restrictive environment." At the time, 59 percent of special education students were receiving…

To maintain "marginality" when attempting to implement PL 142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act), a principal must understand the demands, goals, needs, and motivations of all concerned. Mainstreaming and other special education decisions made by principals need to be guided by situational ethics. Includes five references.…

Inclusion advocates support heterogeneous programs where special education students are educated within the confines of a regular educational classroom. An array of services are provided that are coordinated across educational and community agency personnel. Districts must make sure the students are ready to be included, the staff is trained, and…

This review of the literature on mainstreaming students with hearing impairments begins by defining "hearing impairment,""deafness," and "hard of hearing". The paper briefly considers causes of hearing impairments and types of hearing impairments. Suggestions for preparing a class for a student with hearing loss includes having a visible class…

Human rights review is a process by which agencies assure that an intrusive behavioral program is appropriate in a given case. Methods are described for local education agencies to accomplish human rights review of proposed and ongoing intrusive behavioral treatment with students who have severe behavior problems. One approach to human rights…

Intended for parents of exceptional children in Alaska, this booklet briefly defines the handicapping conditions that make a child exceptional and then describes programs in Alaska available to parents and their exceptional children. The Child Find program, which identifies exceptional children and ensures that they receive appropriate educational…

Briefly examines the history and current medical knowledge of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Describes general requirements of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EACHA) and how they are applied to the AIDS situation. Suggests that admission of AIDS students to schools be allowed on a case-by-case basis. (IW)

Provides a brief overview of the legal context of litigation regarding whether children with disabilities are entitled to be placed in the regular education program with supplemental aids and services. Examines federal circuit rulings since 1990 that highlight the complexities involved. (39 footnotes) (MLF)

Intended for parents of Head Start children with special needs, this manual explains parental rights and the White Mountain Apache (Arizona) Head Start program for special needs children. Sections discuss and define: mainstreaming; special education; screening, testing, and diagnosis; the role of specialists (pediatrician, speech-language…

This handbook for parents of children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) includes information on the child's rights under the law and legal steps to achieve those rights. Relevant federal laws are reviewed including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requirements for impartial due process hearings, least restrictive environments, and allowance…

Every parent is filled with dreams, fears, hopes, and questions when preparing a child for school--and when that child has a disability, this exciting time can seem overwhelming. This upbeat, reassuring handbook is an invaluable resource to share with parents of a school-age child with a disability. It demystifies complicated issues, encourages…

School principals perform a crucial role in discharging a school system's legal obligations toward the handicapped. Since principals are unable to supply money damages, they are rarely primary targets of lawsuits involving handicapped children, but their role in representing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to parents is critical. Thus,…

Handicapped students are now protected by specific statutes in addition to the broad constitutional protection offered all students. As the number of related statutes, regulations, and case law decisions grew, assimilation became increasingly difficult. This publication attempts to meet educators' need for a succinct guide in special education…