In this study, 35 college students with disabilities identified the following barriers to their success: lack of understanding and acceptance of disabilities, lack of adequate services, lack of sufficient financial resources, and lack of self-advocacy skills and training needed to live independently. Tips for eliminating barriers are included.…

This paper describes a training system developed in France for occupational therapists on accessibility for people with disabilities. The system is based on a methodology of home planning designed by an interdisciplinary team comprised of an architect, an occupational therapist, people with disabilities, physical medicine and rehabilitation…

Explains haptic computer interfaces for Web sites that relay touch-sensory feedback to the user. Discusses the importance of touch to cognition and learning; whether haptics can improve performance and learning; haptic interfaces for accessibility for blind and physically impaired users; comparisons of haptic devices; barriers to implementation;…

A study investigated the impact of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 on the provision of wayfinding aids in local authority buildings in Scotland. Results indicate that although the DDA has raised awareness, it has not necessarily led to the incorporation of wayfinding aids in new or refurbished buildings. (Contains references.)…

This article on the use of community resources by families of young children with special needs discusses the rationale for the use of community resources in federal legislation, strategies for building resources, barriers to the use of community resources, and recommendations for increasing the use of community resources. (CR)

Asserts that as the number of young children using assistive technology increases, four areas emerge as particularly important: (1) accessing assistive technology; (2) matching needs of children to technology; (3) funding assistive devices and services; and (4) training early childhood education professionals and family members. Addresses…

Highlights considerations in designing high-quality, developmentally appropriate indoor play environments for all children. Suggestions for arranging classroom space focus on arrangement and accessibility of play areas. Tips for selecting and arranging play materials relate to ensuring diversity of play materials, increasing and maintaining…

Illustrates how Disability Studies provide an alternative setting for the teaching of classroom geography. Argues that there is a link between disability and geography demonstrating how disabilities are not only a personal impairment but also social phenomena. Offers a student-based activity that recognizes the role of disability in geography.…

Special education as a percentage of total enrollment has risen significantly across the nation, increasing from 8% of the school-age population in 1975-76 to 12% in 2001-02. These growing numbers have garnered increased public attention and have raised questions as to whether the type of special education funding formula used by states may be…

Lack of accessibility in the design of e-learning courses continues to hinder students with vision impairment. E-learning materials are predominantly vision-centric, incorporating images, animation, and interactive media, and as a result students with acute vision impairment do not have equal opportunity to gain tertiary qualifications or skills…

The Rural Institute: Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research, and Service, is one of sixty-four Centers for Excellence in Disability Education across the nation. It is an inter-disciplinary organization that promotes full participation in rural life for individuals with disabilities. The Rural Institute accomplishes this goal by…

In providing needed services to individuals that claim a disability and meeting legal standards, issues linger in grey areas for institutions of higher education in the United States. While postsecondary schools are legally obligated to provide mobility access for physical disabilities, given the questions over defining disability, service…

This study focused on the perceptions of paraprofessionals regarding the roles they fulfill while working with children with disabilities in special education and inclusive settings. Students were in grades K-12 and represented a range of disability categories (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, serious emotional disturbance, development…

This report examines the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during the 5 years since its passage in 1990. An introductory chapter considers the overall importance of the Act; the continuing interest of the National Council on Disability (NCD) in the ADA; and the visits of NCD representatives to each of the 50 states, the…

A project was conducted to help single parents residing in public housing who were participants in an adult basic education (ABE) life skills program learn how to request services from school districts and social service providers. An advocacy curriculum outline and an extensive bibliography, as well as procedures and materials for training peer…