The authors examine the meaning of independence for persons with a disability, note two prerequisites (access to the same opportunities of life and capacity to participate in those activities), and explore strategies to help disabled persons learn to choose how to live their lives (including personal life planning, problem solving instruction, and…

The University of Texas at Austin has developed a modular tactual map of the campus and outlying areas to aid visually impaired students. Construction information is summarized. (CL)

This paper discusses the National Council on Disability's role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the continuing efforts of the Council in evaluating the implementation, effectiveness and impact of the ADA. Since its inception in 1978, the National Council on Disability (NCD) has been at the forefront in advocating for…

This book presents a guide to the concept of universal design, the design of products and environments to be usable to the greatest extent possible by people of all ages and abilities/disabilities. Chapters 1 and 2 present a brief history of universal design and examine the spectrum of human abilities. Chapter 3 addresses the seven principles of…

Among the effects of Section 504 are increased funding to promote accessibility and increased enrollment of the disabled in higher education institutions. Costs related to implementation involve campus accessibility or renovation, program accessibility, and supportive services. (SB)

Disabled people are moving into education in increasing numbers. Disabled educators make unique contributions to the classroom since they may be the students' only contact with a disability. The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) has begun to document disabled educators' experiences in teacher training and employment.…

The paper describes and analyzes the physical, attitudinal, and behavioral barriers preventing severely retarded students from having equal access to vocational education opportunities. It is concluded that a cost-effective effective approach to barrier reduction trains only those skills and behaviors necessary for entrance into a vocational…

Discusses the importance of musical experiences to the multiply handicapped and presents mechanical aids which allow the physically disabled to play string and percussion instruments. Some of these aids are illustrated. (SJL)

Section 504 regulations which mandate removal of barriers to higher education for handicapped students are reviewed and considered from the viewpoints of the federal government, the state, colleges and universities, and the students. (SBH)

Points out that for mainstreaming to work, it requires much effort on the part of the business teacher, the handicapped students, and the students. Discusses physical and emotional barriers and gives suggestions to ease the situation. (JOW)

Interviews with three people who use wheelchairs (aged 10, 41, and 72) revealed they were not well informed about Americans with Disabilities Act standards and their civil rights; they were knowledgeable about architectural accessibility. The perceptions and experiences of these different age groups can help occupational therapists provide…

Describes a new basketball arena at the University of Missouri that meet the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act through careful use of the site to take advantage of site grading and provide multiple accessible entries while ensuring visibility and circulation. (SLD)

Discusses key issues in addressing the challenge of Web accessibility for people with disabilities, including tools for Web authoring, repairing, and accessibility validation, and relevant legal issues. Presents standards for Web accessibility, including the Section 508 Standards from the Federal Access Board, and the World Wide Web Consortium's…

Discusses Web design for people with disabilities and outlines a process-based approach to accessibility policy implementation. Topics include legal mandates; determining which standards apply to a given organization; validation, or evaluation of the site; site architecture; navigation; and organizational needs. (Author/LRW)

The article describes 14 recent devices and software programs which can be used to improve access by special needs populations to the Macintosh computer. (Author/DB)