Factors relating to curriculum use in general education have been studied in considerable depth, yet little research has been conducted on what factors impact the enactment of curriculum in special education. This study specifically studied the enactment of a functional curriculum in two rural, self-contained, cross-categorical programs. The data…

Current research indicates that children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) often are not given opportunities to participate in supportive early storybook-reading experiences in home environments. This investigation employed a single-subject, multiple-baseline-across-subjects design to investigate the effects of a parent…

The Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 require that students with disabilities be included in statewide assessments and general education accountability systems, thereby placing increased demands on special education teachers. At issue is how new teachers are prepared to respond to…

"The Rural Institute Transition Projects E-News" is a quarterly newsletter produced by the Rural Institute Transition Projects. This issue contains the following: (1) Transition Assessment and Planning Guide: A tool to assist students, families, and schools to coordinate meaningful transition activities for youth with disabilities (Ellen…

Stigma is a major barrier to the life opportunities of people with disabilities, including those with psychiatric disabilities. Structural discrimination is stigma that results from social forces that develop over many years to diminish a group's resources and support needed to be successful. Affirmative action is a legal and political remedy to…

The effects of microswitch-based programs on indices of happiness were evaluated with 9 students who had profound multiple disabilities. Each student received an ABAB sequence in which A represented baseline phases and B, intervention phases. During the latter phases, microswitches were used to enable the students to control preferred…

This study sought to describe the workplace experiences of educators with disabilities in their own words. The participants in the study were educators employed in a wide range of educational institutions, each of whom had one or more disabling illnesses. Various themes emerged from the study: (1) disabilities often were viewed as a source of…

This article arises from research, funded by the Housing Corporation and Thomas Pocklington Trust, which investigated the housing and support needs and priorities of visually impaired people of working age - a population that has received little public policy attention. It reports on an in-depth study of the circumstances and aspirations of 121…

This article presents the author's response to "Excessive Positivism in Person-Centered Planning," by Steve Holburn and Christine D. Cea. The author begins by complementing Holburn and Cea on their courage to voice concerns that perhaps may not appear to be politically correct or perhaps too bold to express in the context of a journal like…

The project reviewed literature, surveyed manufacturers, and interviewed handicapped and elderly consumers of information-age technologies in an attempt to identify important accessibility issues with respect to emerging information technologies, particularly the personal computer. Results suggested that personal computers appear to be moving…

This illustrated manual and survey forms are designed to be used by organizations, hotel and restaurant associations, interested individuals and others as a guide for selecting accessible conference, meeting, and lodging facilities. The guidelines can also be used with existing facilities to identify specific modifications and accommodations. The…

The handbook sets forth design requirements for construction and renovation of buildings owned, leased, or funded by the Veterans Administration (VA), to permit physically handicapped persons ready access. The book is intended mainly for use by the VA staff and contracted architect/engineer firms involved in developing criteria and designing,…

Written during the International Religious Year of Persons with Disabilities, 1983, three papers address ways in which places of worship can become accessible for persons with disabilities. Wallace K. Babington presents a question and answer format in "Responding to the Needs of Persons with Handicaps." The article emphasizes the need to include…

The booklet reviews Federal and New York State efforts to ensure that school programs are accessible to handicapped students and presents guidelines for making existing facilities, services, and activities accessible. The requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act are reviewed…

The paper discusses components of a model Barrier-Free Design law which state legislatures might adopt to promote accessibility to and use of buildings by physically disabled persons. The model also suggests the creation of a board for barrier free design. Outlined are aspects of definitions, and detailed are the board's composition and terms of…