This comparison of the attitudes of 78 employers, who identified traits needed by either handicapped workers or workers in general, found no significant differences in ratings of the importance of various traits. (DB)

Analysis of a sample of 84 speech acts in everyday discourse referring to mental retardation identified four themes: (1) the discourse of category membership, (2) the dichotomy of normal and abnormal, (3) issues of place and space, and (4) fear. Results suggest how speech acts construct mental retardation and devalue individuals with the label.…

Examines relationships between acceptance of disability and demographic characteristics, disability conditions, and other psychological factors in a sample of adults with disabilities. Finds that self-esteem and emotional support from family had a positive impact on acceptance, perceived discrimination had a negative impact, and type of disability…

Discusses the major components of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 applicable to day care facilities. Offers guidelines for admitting disabled children, and for determining whether an accommodation is reasonable or an unreasonable burden. Considers an ADA case involving discrimination against a diabetic child for insights into the…

A study investigated the expressed advice of 76 parents, 38 elementary school teachers, and 21 deaf community leaders regarding careers for students with deafness in Sweden. Despite many advances in the country, communication in the language of the greater society was a potent factor in limiting occupational possibilities. (Contains nine…

This article discusses the movement toward focusing on the individual rather than the disabling condition when referring to people with disabilities and contrasts acceptable and unacceptable terminology for people with different types of disabilities. The terms "impairment,""disability," and "handicap" are defined. (CR)

Previous findings on employer knowledge about learning disabilities were compared to 25 employers from Pennsylvania and Virginia. Findings indicate that employers are continuing to make efforts to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 regulations but have little knowledge or experience with it in terms of learning disabilities.…

The unconscious belief that everyone in society should be "normal" creates the pain of discrimination for those who are disabled. This narrative relates the author's personal experience of growing up disabled and her overcompensation for "Abelism." Learning to embrace the label "disabled" and make new choices provides…

Presents a brief overview of the sociological forces shaping the discourse of disability; examines the part that public libraries have played, or failed to play, in addressing issues of exclusion as they relate to people with disabilities. Focuses on Australia's deaf community and its particular informational needs. The low impact of the…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of stigma-related discrimination in 50 Puerto Rican and Mexican single mothers of young children with disabilities. Mothers were interviewed on issues related to raising a child with disabilities. This was a preliminary exploration of the stories mothers told specifically related to…

Policies governing the employment of health care workers with AIDS, and the AIDS employment issue facing dental practitioners, administrators, and educators are discussed. Legal considerations of AIDS in the workplace are addressed as to HIV testing, employee rights to gain and/or retain employment, economic considerations, and confidentiality…

Examines how variables of age, sex, nationality, and attitude toward the disabled affected the understanding level of 306 British and Nigerian adolescents concerning disability effects. Indicates age is the most important factor for comprehensive understanding, with girls achieving a more mature understanding level; neither nationality or attitude…

Outlines important implications for consideration in developing employment policies prohibiting sexual harassment. The recent Supreme Court decision on a sexual harassment case shows that employers are not "insulated" from liability if courts find harassment in the workplace. Also discusses two other Supreme Court decisions. (MD)

The problems and special opportunities that face the college candidate with learning disabilities are discussed. It is suggested that Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act has not succeeded in forcing the vast majority of colleges and universities to establish special programs for students with learning disabilities. (MLW)

This study identifies predictors and correlates of attitudes toward the disabled. Authoritarianism, church attendance, religious orthodoxy, age, and education were significantly related to these attitudes of people in a Rocky Mountain Community. Significant predictors of the criterion were authoritarianism, religiosity, and age. Recommendations…