This report presents data in text and graphs on the situation of people with disabilities in the United States in the context of requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. An introduction identifies four reasons for the observed slow pace to compliance with disability-rights laws: (1) ignorance about what constitutes accessibility and…

This tip sheet offers guidelines for instructors who are working with a tutor for a student who is deaf or hard of hearing. It is assumed that the tutor is not fluent in sign language, the student's primary mode of communication is signed communication, tutoring interactions do not take place in the classroom, and the tutor is either a teaching…

This paper examines ways to make World Wide Web browsers accessible for individuals with disabilities, and through them, gain access to the information on the Web. It discusses which browsers can be made more accessible and evaluates different types of input. Mouse access, keyboard access, and voice input are reviewed. Processing aids, such as…

Discusses the facets of building design which affect the accessibility of libraries for the physically disabled and presents some basic guidelines for designing accessible libraries. Types of disabilities, questions relating to site design, and specific architectural and physical features of libraries (entranceways, lighting, stairways, and…

Outlines steps taken to ensure accessibility for disabled persons to the Alabama Space and Rocket Center's new recreational-educational complex, including writing specifications, identifying construction needs, and analyzing existing buildings' accessibility. Describes the proposed activity center, family and faculty cottages, lodge, active and…

The Huston Huffman Center at the University of Oklahoma's Norman campus has a jogging track as well as facilities for exercise and court games that are fully accessible to the handicapped. The building is set eight feet in the ground both to reduce its bulk and to conserve energy. (Author/MLF)

As part of a three-year study, researchers categorized common physical limitation (CPL) groups across disabilities and identified the clothing and special needs of each group. Relationships between clothing style features and CPL groups will allow formulation of guidelines for clothing and dressing needs of each group. (JOW)

Comments from superintendents and other administrators across the country about their compliance with the Section 504 mandate that all educational programs be accessible to the handicapped. (Author/MLF)

Describes a project to create accessibility in a preschool, whose genesis was a student comment which blossomed into a four-month endeavor. The project serves as a guide to implementing an emergent curriculum project. Describes the process of responding to children, anticipating their next inquiry, following their lead, and encouraging their…

Reviews the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act which is designed to improve accessibility of programs and services for a diverse group of people. Provides information that will help interpreters improve the accessibility of their programs. (DDR)

Considers the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report on Internet access and the rapidly growing importance of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) in education. Highlights include school access to the Internet; classroom access; types of connections; home access; special hardware and software for students with disabilities; and…

This study examined the degree to which middle school students with mental retardation have access to the general curriculum and the impact of the classroom setting and student ability on such access. The study found many students with mental retardation, especially when less severe, were engaged in general curriculum activities, but there…

This brief article describes a children's story, "Rosie's Walk," which has been made fully accessible for deaf children in CD-ROM through inclusion of more than 120 sign language sequences (American Sign Language and Signed English), as well as voice and written text. The disk also includes six educational games. (DB)

Washrooms today must be outfitted according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but many of the safety features mandated by the ADA also make good common sense for any school restroom. Provides checklists of items to look for in safe washrooms and locker rooms. (MLF)

Explains how the Open Training and Education Network in New South Wales (Australia) has addressed the issue of designing learning materials for learners in vocational and pre-vocational areas with physical, intellectual, vision, hearing, psychological, or neurological disabilities and learning difficulties, such as low literacy and numeracy…