Reviews the use of one type of computer software, virtual environments, for its potential in the education and rehabilitation of people with intellectual disabilities. Topics include virtual environments in special education; transfer of learning; adult learning; the role of the tutor; and future directions, including availability, accessibility,…

This project examined the feasibility of configuring scanning and sequencing software with a single switch input device to enable a severely disabled 16-year old with cerebral palsy to edit music recordings and compositions. The hardware and software are described and illustrated, and the feasibility of combining disability software with standard…

Details advances that educational facilities are making in meeting the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Discusses the cost efficiency, aesthetical value, and collateral benefits of the design changes that would increase accessibility. Features an ADA resource guide listing five related Internet addresses and…

A survey of 75 countries investigated jobs performed by adults with visual impairments throughout the world. Although there is a greater diversity in the range of jobs in developed countries, people who are visually impaired do not have the same range of opportunities available to them as sighted people. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article is an analysis and synthesis of 26 published (1985-2000) research reports concerning postsecondary education services for students with learning disabilities. Eleven program factors are examined: definition of learning disability, characteristics of adult learners, institution type, special admission procedures, assessment services,…

Appointed by the U.S. Access Board, the Recreation Access Advisory Committee developed guidelines for making outdoor recreation facilities and areas accessible to persons with disabilities. Following negative public comment, a regulatory negotiation committee conducted public meetings and devised accessibility guidelines for trails that allowed…

It seems that inclusion has become a global issue while in different countries we can find a number of stated intentions and written policies to move towards its achievement. However, despite the magnitude of the debate towards inclusion efforts to create more inclusive schooling communities are fraught with multiple difficulties, dilemmas and…

Adult literacy education is increasingly focused on preparing adults with literacy skills for the world of work. Assumptions about how this goal is being met should be made with caution, given that adult education also serves other goals, adult educators have diverse training, and many adult students are presumed to have learning disabilities (LD)…

Report #32 in this series has considered the special attention required to make online collaborative tools fully accessible. The particular challenge for software developers is to optimize the accessibility of online education for persons with disabilities. In the process, the software's efficiency for all users is likely to be increased. The…

The study was designed to examine and compare British and Israeli teachers' perceptions, expectations, and needs regarding the inclusion process. In both countries, the inclusion movements support the rights of children to have their special educational needs identified and met through education legislation and the right of individuals with…

Autism has gained the attention of policy makers and public administrators in recent years. The surge in prevalence, in tandem with a growing social preference for community inclusion of individuals with disabilities, strains a variety of policy infrastructures. Autism and related disorders, which were first described in 1943, were originally…

This study describes the characteristics, enrollment, and completion rates of students with disabilities and the support services they received over a three-year period. Between 1998 and 2001 a total of 604 students with disabilities enrolled in undergraduate courses at Athabasca University, which represents 1.5% of the student population. More…

Two groups of visually impaired (VI) students in Britain confronting post-school transition are considered. One group aspires to enter university, the other group has decided on vocational training. Positive image, employment pragmatics and the notion of "something extra" are contributing factors shaping VI students in their post-school…

There has been a serious decline in academic achievement in both the general and special populations and what we have found is that these students are not doing as well as they should be. Less than one-third of American students are doing well in reading, writing, math, science, and other important subjects. The National Assessment of Education…

This policy paper explores key trends in information and communication technology, highlights the potential opportunities and problems these trends present for people with disabilities, and suggests some strategies to maximize opportunities and avoid potential problems and barriers. Specifically, this paper discusses technology trends that present…