This study with 64 deaf employees working in either signing work groups or nonsigning workgroups found that employees' perceived empowerment was significantly higher in the signing work groups. Deaf associates in signing work groups experienced greater psychological stress and role conflicts, whereas deaf associates in nonsigning groups…

The author relates the story of her parents' outmigration in 1955 from West Virginia to Chicago and their consequent assimilation experiences. The family's problems with self-identity, group identity, discrimination, hostility, cultural differences, and language differences are described and evaluated against the literature, economic factors, and…

Traces developments of English as an additional language in state-sector schools in England. Argues that the current conceptualization of EAL is linked to a particular view of the social integration of a linguistically and ethnically diverse society. Suggests that current thinking has led to questionable perceptions and practices associated with…

This study examined the impact of play activities, teachers' predictions of children's sociability, and intervention fidelity variables on levels of interaction between three preschoolers with autism and their nondisabled peers. Results indicated that social reciprocity and peer effort correlated highly with children's levels of social…

The Peer Education Program (PEP) of Hillside University Demonstration School in California gives typical intermediate-level students and students with intensive needs mutually beneficial experiences as they learn, work, and play together. PEP leaders work with younger students on reading, math, art, physical education, and computer skills. The…

This paper examines the issue of individuals with disabilities being able to develop a positive self-identity within the integration/inclusion movement and outlines how the development of self-identity can be enhanced through formation of purposeful access groups, which involve planned opportunities for people who share common characteristics to…

An individual with a developmental disability discusses self-advocacy, involvement with the American Association on Mental Retardation, dislike of the term "mental retardation," the need for such organizations to work more closely with people who have disabilities, and the need for such organizations and society at large to be more…

Data collected in 1987 (n=315) and in 1998 (n=144) found a positive shift in high school students' attitudes toward individuals with mental retardation with strong indication that inclusion had been a factor. Females decreased their derogatory beliefs while males increased in positive attitudes toward integration issues. (Contains references.)…

Examines the influence of student perceptions of faculty teaching skills on social integration, subsequent institutional commitment, and student departure decisions. Using path analysis to consider this link, the findings demonstrate a significant influence of faculty teaching skills on student persistence. Theoretical and practical implications…

A random sample (N=197) of two social service agencies completed a questionnaire to assess family cohesion and adaptability, acculturation, acculturative stress, and coping-resources effectiveness among Latino adults. The results suggest that acculturative stress experienced by Latinos relates to the efficacy of stress-coping resources, degree of…

Discusses how local churches may be able to work with local agencies to help integrate adults with developmental disabilities into the community. The benefits of church participation and recommendations for accessing the possibility of church involvement are provided. Research needs in this area are also emphasized. (CR)

This article considers the different ways that the United Kingdom's government, teachers, and academics think about inclusion. A working definition of inclusion is presented based on a system of values and indicators of inclusion for students with deafness, along with examples of practice. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This commentary discusses the need to review priorities embodied in systems providing services to children with disabilities and their families, and how special educators are trained. It urges educators to look outside of schools to the broader community to plan for full inclusion and the supports necessary to facilitate true participation. (CR)

The purpose of this study was to examine whether older age is associated with increasing loneliness in people aged 60 and over. Data came from TamELSA, a population-based prospective longitudinal study in Tampere, Finland. The followup time was 20 years. Loneliness was measured by a single question--"Do you feel lonely?"--with the…

The educational environment in Estonia schools tends to celebrate European and national identities while pushing local identities to the periphery. In this northern Baltic state, the emphasis on using schools to reinforce the Estonian language and national identity takes place in the context of government-supported initiatives to use education…