This article discusses the role of organized religion in providing respite services to families of children with disabilities. Respite programs using church volunteers are seen as an opportunity for new and effective partnerships between secular service systems and the religious community. Model programs are described. (PB)

The article describes reactions of teachers to parents of handicapped children, relating the process to stages of grief when confronted with the death of the model parent. (CL)

Schools, families, and vocational rehabilitation agencies can work together to promote a successful school-to-work transition by disabled youth through career education, independent living programs, and community involvement. (CL)

The parent of a blind child urges other parents of handicapped children to realize their value in relationships with professionals by presenting ideas and information and cooperating with teachers and administrators in problem solving. She emphasizes the importance of parents understanding and communicating their own limits. (CL)

The author discusses considerations for successful parent school conferences. Sections address such components as goal setting, preparation, and steps to take in making parents feel comfortable. A one-year plan for four conferences is offered. (SBH)

Parents must work actively with teachers to encourage the social integration of disabled children in mainstream classrooms. The ability to initiate and maintain positive peer relationships is necessary for healthy cognitive and social growth in all children, and it helps the disabled helps to overcome destructive cycles of rejection and isolation.…

Parents can prepare themselves to participate more effectively in the special education planning process. Guidelines for parents presented in the form of questions to be asked prior to and at the annual review address the need for eliciting clarification, descriptive information, and program implications, and understanding procedures, goals, and…

A parent who is also an education major offers guidelines to classroom teachers involved in parent-teacher conferences to discuss individualized education programs. Emphasized are: the teacher's role as coordinator and moderator of the conference, preparing parents for the meeting, providing support for them, and making clear explanations during…

This document consists of the nine issues of the journal "Exceptional Parent" published during 1993. This journal contains articles particularly aimed at parents of children with disabilities. Major articles published during this period are the following: "Annual Guide to Products and Services"; "Coping with…