Investigation of determinants of 143 intermediate grade children's attitudes and behavioral intentions toward peers with physical disabilities found that the children's own attitudes toward inclusion of peers was the strongest predictor of behavioral intentions, though attitudes of teachers, principals, and parents were also significant…

Providing leadership for a diverse camp population and providing diverse leadership is a challenge. Presents ways to diversify campers and staff, and ways to promote diversity through socialization, education, and experience. Planned and spontaneous incidents should be related to diversity, and similarities should be discussed so that no one feels…

This keynote address at the 1995 International Division for Early Childhood Conference on Children with Special Needs focuses on the need for early childhood education and society in general to: embrace principles of diversity, put into practice what has been learned from research, foster family-focused programs, encourage inclusiveness in…

Examined attitudes of 71 kindergarten and first-grade children regarding the capabilities of disabled children and the potential for friendship, and assessed the effectiveness of children's literature and related activities in influencing attitudes toward the disabled. Found that children's attitudes were generally positive and realistic, and that…

Interviews conducted with 17 families of children, youth, and adults with problem behavior investigated inclusive lifestyle issues that are important to families. Issues surrounding family life, friendship, school, community inclusion, and supported living/supported employment are discussed. Results indicate the families want more collaborative…

A study evaluated the effectiveness of in-school support systems, Pupil Support Bases, for 45 adolescents with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties at 11 comprehensive schools in Scotland. Students in focus groups agreed unanimously that the Pupil Support Bases were helpful and sometimes prevented them from being excluded. (Contains…

A study examined perceptions of 26 teachers, including 13 special educators, of the Peer Buddy Programs implemented in a Nashville school district. Teachers reported positive relationships between buddies and their partners with disabilities and enhanced personal growth for students with disabilities. The majority agreed buddies assisted in a…

The efforts of one unit of the Association for Retarded Citizens to develop guidelines for service provision to individuals with developmental disabilities and human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) are documented. A professional advisory committee was formed to make ethical recommendations that allow for provision of services in a "least…

Origins of the criterion of the next environment (CNE) are examined for its continuing applicability to mainstreaming and integration of young disabled children, in light of changes in kindergarten classrooms, commitment to integrated education for all students with disabilities, collaborative partnerships, and instructional support services.…

Issues that underlie the development of measurement systems to evaluate the social effects of supported education for disabled students are discussed. An assessment model which examines both outcome (i.e., increased acceptance, social participation, and levels of friendships) and process variables (e.g., specific social interaction skills) is…

Studied intrainstitutional relocation of 40 men aged 53 to 91 and its effects on social integration, and behavioral and self-reported measures of psychosocial adaptation. Found in both longitudinal and time-lag analyses of pre- and post-relocation data, relocated men had lower scores on attitude toward aging dimension, fewer friends, and evidenced…

The history of public education in the United States is outlined, with emphasis on the role of public schools in binding a diverse citizenry and transmitting civic values and traditions. Included is a discussion of the common schools movement. (IAH)

Interviews with parents and primary caregivers of 10 adults with severe intellectual disabilities participating in supported employment programs in South Australia found parents and caregivers were generally satisfied with supported employment but expressed low expectations for improving wages, career advancement, or social integration. (DB)

Cooperative learning activities can help teachers of students with multiple disabilities increase student participation in integrated activities and identify and meet individual learner needs. Specific guidelines for forming groups, designing lesson plans, and evaluating groupwork are offered. Outcomes of implementing these activities have been…

From 1982 to 1992, Mendaki (Council on Education for Muslim Children) sought to improve the low achievement of Singapore's minority Malay children through weekend tuition classes, student financial support, and promotion of Islamic values. The government supported Mendaki in the interests of national social integration, but urged the Malay…