The importance of alternative access to computers for persons with developmental disabilities and the ways in which speech recognition technology has been used to reach this goal are discussed. Illustrative studies of the use of speech recognition by persons with disabilities are reviewed, and implications for the effective application of this…

Discussion of accommodation of disabled students in social work education looks at finding a balance between educational integrity and the needs and rights of students. A proactive approach to meeting the needs of all students is encouraged. Topics addressed include definition of essential standards, reasonable accommodation, testing,…

This article describes variables that may influence alternate assessment outcomes for students with disabilities and offers recommendations to enhance student achievement. These variables include technical quality, curriculum access, data collection, instructional effectiveness, risk factors, and resources allocated to instruction. Two of four…

Based on a series of focus group meetings, 15 students with mobility limitations (ages 9-15) and 12 parents identified four categories of barriers at their schools: the physical environment, intentional attitudinal barriers, unintentional attitudinal barriers, and physical limitations. Recommendations for promoting accessibility and full…

This issue of "Illinois Libraries" is designed to serve as a general reference tool on services for special populations, with a focus on the blind and physically handicapped. It is organized in three sections: general articles; reports on three Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) funded projects; and listings of resources to…

An analysis of questionnaires completed by 94 partially sighted children and their parents attempted to identify the visual environmental adaptation problems (VEAPs) of children in regular classrooms. Significant VEAPs were found in classroom tasks, in tasks that required the resolution of fine detail, and in some mobility tasks. (Author/DB)

Describes specific plans for making environmental education accessible to disabled people by adapting trail systems and facilities for safety, interpretative programing, and access. Encourages the inclusion of disabled people in the wide variety of environmental education programing by presenting solutions to traditional barriers. (MCO)

Twelve articles describe new library buildings in Illinois and address various aspects of library construction. Highlights include public, special, academic, and school libraries; library design and historic preservation; Carnegie libraries; handicapped accessibility, including the Americans with Disabilities Act; construction considerations; and…

A discussion of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) looks at the legislation's implications for the relationships between medical schools, applicants, and students. Issues examined include impact on the application/admissions process and accommodation of student disabilities. Fifteen steps for medical schools to take to comply with the act…

Urges Catholic educators to reacquaint themselves with the church's doctrines of access and inclusion, and to increase their efforts to involve disabled persons in their programs. (YKH)

A study of the experiences of disabled college students in Scotland found obstacles to participation in five areas: physical environment, access to information, admission, assumptions of "normality," and levels of awareness. Even though support is available, students are being assisted around obstacles that ideally should be removed.…

This article uses "ADAPTABLE" as an acronym for accommodation strategies for the disabled: (1) Assistive Devices; (2) Alternative formats for printed text; (3) Personal support such as specialized staff; (4) Transportation services; (5) Adapted furniture; (6) Building modifications; (7) Low-tech devices such as book holders; and (8)…

Summarizes an analysis of institutional policies for students with disabilities at 47 Canadian universities. University policies were categorized in a typology according to stage of completion, which ranged from senate- or board-approved to nonexistent. Content analysis revealed over 50 typical items included in disability policies. From this, 11…

Examines the impact of technology on school library facilities and suggests some low-impact ways to optimize its use. Highlights include considering the role technology can play; educational goals; interior environmental factors; circulation desk needs; security; storage for hardware and software; handicapped accessibility; and future planning.…

Reviews documented examples of individuals and institutions to investigate factors related to exemplary learners and providers of distance education to persons with disabilities. Examines case studies identified searches of ERIC and other major databases. Summarizes findings in terms of student characteristics, technology trends, support and…