Interviews were conducted with operators in the Randolph-Sheppard Program, which encourages blind people to become self-supporting by giving them priority in establishing cafeterias, vending operations, and snack bars on federal properties. Characteristics investigated were age, years of experience, gender, ethnic origin, degree of vision loss,…

Describes a cooperative program between individual state governments and the Australian government whereby unemployed people who want to start a small business are given a comprehensive package consisting of loan capital, one year's living allowance, training, and business advice. (JOW)

The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986 include a rigorous national agenda pertaining to young handicapped children and their families. This agenda was fueled by the documentation of the benefits of early intervention and preschool services and the recognition of the importance of early life experiences. (Author/PB)

Outlines the provisions of The Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986 (PL99-457), which funds educational and family services programs for three- to five-year-old children with disabilities or substantial developmental delays. Suggests ways that child care advocates can help implement this law. (NH)

An update on the National School Lunch Program includes a list of some of the changes and innovations in types, quality, and packaging of commodity products provided to schools. (MLF)

Urban regeneration programs fail because they are largely short term, trickle-down does not work, different policy areas are not coordinated, community partnership involves tokenism, they are not targeted where most needed, and government funding is given with one hand while being taken away with the other. (SK)

Presents the Secretary's views on efforts to eliminate the United States Department of Education or reducing basic education programs. Contends that funding education should not be a partisan process subject to the uncertainties of budget-cutting politics. Emphasizes the necessity of investing in the education of children as a long-term investment…

According to William Raspberry, U.S. schools are already doing a good job of teaching children who come to school ready for learning. The problem with America 2000 is that the $700-800 million price tag is too small; billions are needed for establishing child service centers and other support services to ensure optimal learning. (MLH)

This directory lists programs for deaf-blind children and youth, regional offices of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults, and programs for training teachers of deaf-blind students. Programs are listed alphabetically by state, with contact information provided. (DB)

Drawing on a realistic model for evaluating compensatory education effects, Chapter 1 staff members have developed a workshop series aimed at improving the effectiveness of local Chapter 1 programs. Improvement efforts are to be data driven, research based, team centered, locally controlled, systematic, and focused on student outcomes. (20…

Describes mental health service needs in rural America and barriers to improving its quality and availability. Federal programs, especially the Office of Rural Health Policy, are described and policy recommendations for improving rural mental health care are presented. (DM)

Reviews key legislative changes that have been made in the Older Americans Act since 1965. Analyzes these changes within the context of the four stages of its evolution: (1) initial implementation; (2) rapid expansion; (3) consolidation and long-term care concerns; and (4) targeting and prioritization of services. (JOW)

Federal data on student-loan defaults in colleges, universities, and vocational-technical schools include number and proportion of borrowers in default on Stafford Loans and Supplemental Loans in fiscal 1988 and 1989. The data are used to exclude high-default institutions from federal programs. Dollar amounts of loans defaulted are not presented.…

Focuses on problems encountered in providing an equal education and services for the handicapped. Examines the role of federal funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and resolutions for state and local school districts' problems of fiscal accountability. Continued federal government oversight is needed. (12 references) (MLH)

Describes the approach of Southern Maine Technical College (SMTC) in managing required federal student loan entrance and exit interviews. SMTC offers group interviews each time the student borrows, and has also increased student attendance rates at exit interviews to 94% by adding incentives such as prizes underwritten by willing sponsors. (DB)