A survey of 516 family members examined assistive-technology use by students with mental retardation. Findings indicate that the number of students who could benefit from devices but did not have access to them exceeded the number who actually had devices. Barriers to device utilization are discussed. (Author/CR)

Describes how the Rochester Public Library (Minnesota) managed public access to the Internet for both residents and non-resident patrons. Discusses user needs, staff involvement, system software, fees, and handicapped accessibility. (LRW)

Presents interviews with five school administrators, representing a variety of school systems. Discusses their strategies for addressing concerns that all school systems share. Using a question and answer format, the article focuses on handicap accessibility, energy management, funding, security, and technology. (RJM)

Middle Tennessee State University actively recruits students with disabilities, and students in this category have increased from 115 to 708 since 1985, despite a relatively small budget. The student-disabilities office focuses on recruitment, program provision, accessibility, and trouble-shooting. Some accessibility problems persist, despite the…

This article discusses some of the limitations of current educational assessment and how application of universal design for learning (UDL) concepts can improve assessment accuracy and its applicability to instruction. Benefits of UDL are described and include allowing for multiple means of representation and expression, and multiple means of…

This introductory article discusses increasing access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities as required by the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Three critical issues are identified: the need to develop appropriate curriculum materials, the need to provide access to complex curriculum despite a…

Discusses recommendations for designing or redesigning library buildings for easy navigability. Signage, maps, collection arrangements, and placement of emergency exits must take into account observed traffic patterns, spatial or objective orientations of individual patrons, and patrons with disabilities. Contains 63 references. (BEW)

In light of the compliance requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this article explains adaptive computing technology and its use in the design of a new implementation of ORION, the online information system at the University of California Los Angeles. Addresses, both postal and electronic when possible, are provided for several…

Visually impaired persons (n=871) with developmental disabilities, in 42 states, were surveyed to determine effects of separate state blindness-specific vocational rehabilitation agencies on the receipt of services. Results suggest that clients in states with specialized agencies were less likely to receive services, except when the agency in…

Selected resources from the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) and ECER (Exceptional Child Education Resources) databases concerning play and learning of children with disabilities, accessible playgrounds, toys, and assistive technology are identified in this article. Each listing includes the title, author, and a brief description of…

A study investigated the experiences of 14 people with visual impairments in attempting to exercise their civil rights to equal access to print. Results found they experienced long waits for large-print accommodations, negative reactions to requests, a lack of quality in the materials, and misinformation about accommodations. (Contains 13…

Examines some key areas that school administrators need to consider when creating new, or updating old, school spaces for students and staff. Design considerations encompass space management, building flexibility, technology integration, school accessibility to the disabled, sensitivity to the environment, and cost effectiveness. (GR)

This paper presents background information for counselors on issues concerning disabilities. Part 1 discusses counselor training in graduate programs on disabilities and considers the training accessibility for graduate students with disabilities. Part 2 explains information about disabled students, including the terminology used, their…

This article briefly reviews Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and identifies criteria used to determine whether a student is both "disabled" and "qualified." Then, specific areas of admission, accommodation, and dismissal are examined. Finally, guidelines for professors…

Adults with blindness or visual impairments (N=85) and nondisabled adults (N=78) completed the Employment Access Questionnaire. Analysis found that people with and without visual impairments had similar attitudes toward the importance of training, career guidance, work expectations, and assistance, but the visually impaired group were…