Federal legislation requires that all students, including students with disabilities, be included in all state and district-level accountability systems. Many students can take the regular assessment with or without accommodations, but some students with disabilities need alternate ways to access assessments. For the past several years, states…

In their specialized schooling, blind children are now frequently presented with raised line figures and maps. However, there is still much to do in evaluating the cognitive effects of training using these displays. The purpose of this research is to determine if the level of expertise in the haptic exploration, and the perception of the raised…

The number of students with disabilities pursuing higher education is increasing; therefore, faculty and administrators have a growing need to understand their responsibilities in preventing discrimination against this population (Gamble, 2000). The purpose of this article is to articulate disability legislation mandates and applications to…

The responses of 81 Canadian junior and community college students with disabilities were used to develop and evaluate the Scale of Adaptive Information Technology Accessibility for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities (SAITAPSD). This is an 18-item self-administered tool that evaluates computing accessibility for and by students with various…

This article presents a systematic review of the research evidence on the effects of the characteristics of typefaces on the legibility of text for adult readers with low vision. The review revealed that research has not produced consistent findings and thus that there is a need to develop standards and guidelines that are informed by evidence.…

Prior to the passage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in 1975 (PL 94-142), the educational experience of disabled children and youth was varied and uncertain. Many children and youth with sensory, physical or cognitive impairments received minimal skill development training in institutions, separate day classes, church basements…

Paraeducators have been widely used to expand services provided in special education programs. The effectiveness of paraprofessionals depends heavily on their preparation and supervision. Training and supervision are carried out primarily by teachers, yet traditionally teacher education programs have not adequately prepared teachers for this…

This booklet is one of four volumes developed to make science more accessible to students with disabilities. It discusses issues in program accessibility for program directors, parents, and teachers are: (1) finding out that out-of-school science programs require a great deal of effort; and (2) having to investigate the accessibility of the site…

This guide is intended to assist people with physical disabilities who are wheelchair users and their families in the construction of a barrier-free home. Introductory information notes the importance of specific planning for individual needs and full participation by the homeowner as well as the architect and contractor. Briefly addressed are:…

This booklet is divided into two sections. Section 1, "A Few Words on Language, Courtesies, and Stereotypes," gives suggestions on speaking to and about people with disabilities. Principles of language use include: (1) put people first, not their disability; (2) avoid identifying a group of people as a disability category; (3) avoid…

This issue of the quarterly newsletter "Rural Exchange" provides information and resources on accessible rural housing for the disabled. "Accessible Manufactured Housing Could Increase Rural Home Supply" (Nick Baker) suggests that incorporation of access features such as lever door handles and no-step entries into manufactured housing could help…

Two brief fact sheets for people with disabilities provide information on: (1) modifying a trailer to make it accessible for persons with mobility impairments, especially those in wheelchairs, and (2) accessibility considerations for home buyers or home owners with mobility impairments. The first fact sheet identifies inherent problems in…

The paper describes concepts and principles resulting in successful applications of computer technology to the needs of the disabled. The first part describes what a microcomputer is and is not, emphasizing the microcomputer as a machine that simply carries out instructions, the role of programming, and the use of prepared application programs.…

The document presents uniform standards for facility accessibility by physically handicapped persons for Federal and federally funded facilities. The standards are to be applied during the design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities to the extent required by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended. Technical…

The fact sheet, intended for adults and young adults with disabilities, discusses issues to consider in planning for postsecondary education. Readers are urged to assert themselves in the process of planning for and obtaining services. Guidelines for examining career options and personal needs are given as well as practical suggestions for dealing…