The Activity Matching Ability System (AMAS) is a computer- based system that helps place disabled persons in suitable jobs. Discusses the assessment of job activities and of individuals to perform those activities, the matching process, benefits of using AMAS, recruitment and selection, planning, placement, identification of training needs, and…

Two studies compared the relative effectiveness of a developmentally based language facilitation program, a direct language facilitation program, or a combined developmental/direct program for 52 preschool children with disabilities. Both studies indicated that no program was better overall. Differential effects of the interventions could be…

This study of 70 adults who were discharged from an inpatient hospital rehabilitation unit found a strong correlation between appropriateness of the initial admission of the patients and their functional gains. The study suggests admitting patients who have considerable gains to make and potential to return to community living. (CR)

This article describes the Wings Mentor Program in Maryland, a program developed to provide additional support to students with gifts who also have learning disabilities and highly able students who were not succeeding in the classroom. Students realize their creative and intellectual potential when paired with mentors who nurture them. (Contains…

Examined the benefits of volunteerism for people with disabilities as well as their non-disabled peers and the agency in which they served. Participants were college students who were matched with adolescents from a local school for students with disabilities. After two semesters of volunteer work for a local museum, benefits were discussed and…

This paper describes Project ASSIST, an early intervention pilot project involving 40 Singaporean infants with disabilities (ages 2-5) that integrated children with mild disabilities into mainstream preschool centers. Results indicated high levels of peer and school personnel acceptance and the feasibility of integrating children with disabilities…

This study of 422 students with disabilities and 107 without examined the extent to which the instructional components and skill outcomes associated with school-to-work programs predict better postschool outcomes for students. Findings provide general support for the school-based and work-based instructional components. Implications for practice…

Discusses the components of peer-mediated instruction and interventions (PMII) (including peer modeling, peer initiation training, peer monitoring, peer networking, peer tutoring, and group-oriented contingencies) and instructional systems that incorporate PMII components with other elements of effective instruction. Explores implications for…

Describes "Critical Thinking," a training strategy developed to guide staff who are serving families with multiple challenges. Discusses insights that staff generated through the "Critical Thinking" process about the characteristics of families with multiple challenges and the strategies considered effective in addressing those families' needs.…

A study examined recidivism among 252 clients (ages 15-59) with developmental disabilities in a case management program. Overall, 40% were arrested while in the program and 34% were arrested within 6 months after case closure. Clients who completed the program (n=115) were less likely to be arrested after case closure. (Contains references.)…

This introductory column on assistive technology (AT) explains key concepts including what assistive technology is, the relationship between AT services and outcomes associated with AT use, the meaning of "outcome," differing outcomes for various stakeholders, and repeated measures of performance with and without AT. It also identifies Web sites…

Cooperative teaching may be a useful service delivery model for facilitating the merger of general and special education. A rationale is presented for use of cooperative teaching, outlining short-term and long-term benefits, implementation options, and potential barriers and techniques to resolve them. (JDD)

Administered Preliminary Diagnostic Questionnaire as measure of employability to national sample of 2,972 vocational rehabilitation clients. Findings regarding physical, emotional, cognitive, and motivational components of employability revealed national disadvantaged vocational rehabilitation population. Found that reduction of handicap directly…

This article critically examines issues of whether children with learning disabilities differentially exhibit concomitant problems in sensory integration (SI) and whether such children are helped by SI therapy. It concludes that research findings indicate that SI therapy is not merely unproven but a demonstrably ineffective remedial treatment for…

Project Participate has developed and implemented a model for making decisions about interventions that enhance the ability of a preschool child with severe motor disabilities to actively participate in educational programs. The effectiveness of the process in increasing child participation in play, communication, social interaction, and mobility…