This analysis of trends in Academy Award winning films that portray people with disabilities found that, although there has been an increase in the number of awards to "disability" films, only 2 of 35 films identified portrayed children or youth with disabilities, and none featured learning disabilities. (DB)

Examines the institutional construction of soft or mild disability by special education as a process of pre-incarceration in schools. Argues that labels of soft disability suspend the educational and citizenship participation of disadvantaged students. Outlines variation and inquiry as alternative concepts that may reverse the negative school…

In this humorous article, a man with autism discusses his struggles with the world of employment despite his cum laude degree from Yale University. The underemployment of people with disabilities is highlighted, along with the lack of "people skills" that individuals with autism have, which creates a barrier to employment. (CR)

Reviews developments in 2000 in the law of disability discrimination as it relates to higher education, which falls into five categories: (1) definition of a qualified individual; (2) accommodations, access, undue burden, and fundamental alteration of programs; (3) intentional discrimination, harassment, and retaliation; (4) Eleventh Amendment…

A study of the perceived employment barriers of 20 unemployed adults who are legally blind found participants experienced personal, societal, and programmatic barriers to employment. It also found that some participants were actively seeking work, some were resigned to unemployment, and others were looking for work but losing hope. (Author/CR)

This article provides an overview of the aspirations and expectations disabled teenagers form for their future education and employment and the factors which are associated with positive aspirations. After reviewing what is already known about the formation of aspirations in general, and among young disabled people in particular, Tania Burchardt…

This paper discusses the impact of major reforms in Hong Kong on rehabilitation practice and personnel training. Significant changes in policy and legislative measures concerning disability are explained. Key challenges to professional accreditation and personnel training related to rehabilitation are deliberated with illustrations on how tertiary…

This fact sheet offers, in a question-and-answer format, information on employment and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). It addresses the following topics: what Title I of the ADA says about employment, what employment discrimination means, which employers are affected, hiring quotas, determination of an individual's job…

Basic information about the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is presented in a question-and-answer format. The following questions are addressed: "What is the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?"; "Why is the ADA needed?"; "How is disability defined by the ADA?"; "What does the ADA…

The parent of a trainable mentally handicapped 16-year-old boy recounts experiences of rejection from the neighborhood, the family, the school, physicians, and the church. (DB)

Attitudes of 4,459 persons towards 22 disability groups were surveyed over an 8-year period. (Author/CL)

Workshops designed to give nonhandicapped persons experiences that simulate different handicapping conditions are described. Rationale for the workshops, planning considerations, and a description of groups participating (facilitators, helpers, and selected participants) and their roles are given. (JH)

Business administration undergraduate students (N=125) reviewed the cover letter and resume of a handicapped applicant and the job description for a hypothetical position to determine perceived co-worker acceptance of disabled job applicants in the workplace. Results suggest that social acceptance of applicant was influenced by presumed personal…

The four Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Education for All Handicapped Children Act which have been handed down to date are reviewed: Board of Education v. Rowley (1982), Irving v. Tatro (1984), Smith v. Robinson (1984), and Burlington v. Department of Education (1985). Implications and pending legislation are discussed. (JW)

Just as the company black'' and the company woman'' demanded their place in industry and later were treated as any other employee, so must deaf persons demand employment and prepare themselves to be employed. (MC)