Students with low-incidence disabilities frequently receive less than optimal psychoeducational services because the specialized tests and instructional materials required to meet their idiosyncratic needs often are unavailable due to budget constraints, inadequate training of school personnel, and the difficulty school personnel have keeping…

Because of the important role secondary special educators have in the transition to adulthood of adolescents with disabilities, it behooves educators to have an understanding of human development. The lifespan perspective on human development is particularly relevant to transition planning. Individuals with a lifespan perspective believe…

As of January 1, 2013, 34 states and the District of Columbia have been granted waivers from certain provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Part of each successful flexibility application was a state accountability system that could identify priority schools (the lowest performing 5% of Title 1 schools) and focus schools…

"Bullying" is defined as any aggressive behavior with the intent to harm that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying is identified as one of the most predominant problems faced by children in the United States education system, as well as one of the most significant health risks to children. Exactly how prevalent this issue is…

The individual education program (IEP) is of critical importance to educators, parents, and students. Through the IEP process school-based teams (a) assess the educational needs of a student, (b) develop meaningful and measurable goals that direct the student's program, (c) develop and implement a program of special education and related services,…

An inservice consultant describes procedures for assessing teacher needs through conferences, journals, self-rating scales, and observation. Consultation begins once the problem is identified and may include information sharing, team teaching, and child study groups. (CL)

Issues related to family assessment as part of early intervention programs with handicapped children are reviewed and the need for a family needs assessment as a first step in developing family focused interventions is stressed. Suggestions for the design, selection, and use of a needs assessment are made. (Author/DB)

Designed for parents who wish to develop local respite care services for families with disabled children, this primer outlines strategies for: evaluating current available services and programs; pulling people together; conducting a needs assessment; raising money; and writing a proposal. (CB)

Results of surveying 21 educators responsible for coordinating their school districts' mainstreaming programs revealed that although educators acknowledge a commitment to mainstreaming few have employed viable implementation procedures. Results suggested the need for a model of recommended policies and procedures. (DB)

The monograph offers an overview of the history of health care for children with disabilities. Health goals for the disabled child are considered and a systems model discussed that views health care services as part of the child's total service needs. Routine and specialized health care needs of disabled children are covered, and service areas…

The report covers two activities of the Model Site Program of the National Committee: Arts for the Handicapped (NCAH). The first section is devoted to a review of the needs assessment survey which was completed by 703 special education professionals. Data from the survey is summarized according to such topics as the extent to which arts…

A "Multidimensional Needs Assessment Framework" developed by the authors and used in public school districts for planning special service programs is described. An overview, rationale/description are included. The steps applied in utilization of the framework are delineated, and potential implementation problems are considered.…

This manual contains training materials on full participation in independent living for a national conference for personnel in agencies concerned with independent living for people with disabilities. Preliminary materials include the conference agenda, background information about the trainers, and organizational information on Independent Living…

Defines and discusses 10 program-development, research, and policy-analysis needs that are crucial for the continued success of the supported-employment program for individuals with disabilities. These include the following: consumer choice and self-determination, meaningful employment outcomes, employer needs and perceptions, natural supports,…

Four papers focus on the processes involved in developing a community team for providng services to handicapped preschoolers. Jerry Elder and Elynor Kazuk review steps in beginning a community team approach in "Getting Started," including the mechanics of planning and conducting an initial meeting to explain the advantages of collaborative…