This article presents a theory for evaluating information and communication technology design for individuals with disabilities. Simplex 1 evaluates designs in five zones: sensory and input zone; output zone; abstract working memory; long-term memory; and central executive functioning. Simplex 2 evaluates feedback, emotional responses, cognitive…

A study involving three students (ages 7-12) with deaf-blindness found their special education teachers were highly responsive, although physical preoccupation with other students occasionally prevented them from being able to provide responses in accessible forms. They struggled with expressing themselves in forms that were accessible to the…

This listing provides directory information for the national and state offices of the National Association of the Deaf, the oldest and largest nonprofit organization safeguarding the accessibility and civil rights of individuals with deafness and hearing impairments across a broad range of areas including education, employment, health care, and…

Many individuals with disabilities in American Indian communities have not benefited from legislated services and resources. These individuals are also hampered by inaccessibility to services and by jurisdictional debates of government agencies. Efforts to develop culturally relevant programs promoting education, rehabilitation, and independent…

Discusses work on a pilot project to develop guidelines for accessible interpretation that integrates disabled and mainstream visitors. Discusses program and facility designs and suggests ways to make existing interpretive programs more accessible to visitors with disabilities. (LZ)

Discusses the requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act for self-evaluation of public libraries and reports data on accessibility from a survey of public libraries in Illinois. Leased facilities and transition plans are considered; and a self-evaluation form is presented that covers persons consulted, accessibility, employment and…

A survey of 123 parents of school-age children with intellectual disability in New South Wales, Australia, examined age of disclosure of the disability, information provided to parents, services recommended, services viewed as most "understanding" or "useful," and schooling. One-fourth of parents commented on deficiencies in…

Both Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are intended to promote the removal of the physical barriers that deny individuals with disabilities access to educational programs and activities. Addresses the relationship between the ADA and Section 504 along with the responsibilities of…

Examination of 69 case files from the Navajo Vocational Rehabilitation Project revealed that successful outcomes were strongly associated with clients having access to a telephone, living closer to the project office, desiring to be employed, having normal psychological status, and using English as the primary language. (SV)

Describes an inservice program developed in Virginia to enhance the knowledge of college faculty regarding the needs of students with disabilities. Discusses the characteristics of students with disabilities, legislative mandates to serve them, and ways of accommodating students with disabilities in the classroom. (MAB)

Provides a brief overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and schedule for phasing in the law. Discusses general features of the law that apply to camps including provisions of employment and public accommodation and requirements for making camp facilities and programs accessible. Provides key definitions included in the ADA and…

Library services to students with disabilities at a university with special programs in rehabilitation are described, including staff commitment, physical features, and adaptive technology such as the Arkenstone Reader which converts printed materials to electronic formats and synthetic speech. Photos of students and staff are included. (EAM)

This article describes the Descriptive Video Service (DVS), developed by WGBH-TV in Boston, Massachusetts, to provide narrated descriptions of the key visual elements of television programs without interfering with their audio or dialogue. The article discusses the history of DVS, broadcast tests, reactions to DVS, and the future of DVS.…

Addresses the practical requirements in providing barrier-free access to schools. Special attention is given to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Outlines requirements for the following areas: (1) parking, passenger loading, and building access; (2) corridors, elevators, and stairs; (3) classrooms; (4) restrooms; (5)…

Assessed the practical, social and emotional impact of home enteral tube feeding (HETF) on children and their families. Found that training for non-parent caregivers was inadequate. Consequently, access to education and social services may be restricted due to the perception these children require nursing care. (SD)