Perceptions of regular preschool through senior high school personnel (n=160) and persons employed outside education (n=168) about the handicapped were compared in pilot and follow-up surveys. Society's attitudes and commitment toward education and subsequent employment of the handicapped present a barrier to the goals of PL 94-142. (SLD)

Focuses on the operational meanings of the following terms--"handicapped individual,""otherwise qualified,""reasonable accommodation," and "essential functions of the job"--as developed primarily in federal court decisions concerned with employment issues associated with handicapped persons in public…

This response to Maag and Howell (EC 602 677) suggests that their perspective is oversimplistic and naive about (1) organizational structures and processes relating to inclusion of students with social maladjustment in special education, and (2) the problem of change in school organization. (DB)

Handicapism, bias against the disabled, is a major barrier to the successful education and integration of children with disabilities. Educators need to devise strategies to deal with handicapism, beginning with disability awareness programs. A variety of instructional approaches is necessary to capitalize on students' strengths and learning…

Describes how career services offices can facilitate handicapped students' search for and acquirement of rewarding careers. Suggests general guidelines on proper attitudes and helpful operations, ways to make offices physically and attitudinally accessible, integration of disabled persons into mainstream services, and tailoring programs to…

Analysis of 160 articles in the "Chronicle of Higher Education" concerning controversy, complaints, lawsuits, and rulings in higher education found almost half involved some form of discrimination or harassment as a central theme. The issues (sex/ gender, race/ethnicity, disability, age, religion, and newer themes) are discussed, as well…

1988-1989 legislative and social goals of the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) are outlined. Priorities focus on Medicaid reform, constitutional and civil rights, capital punishment and the criminal justice system, and staff compensation rates. Twenty additional goals in such areas as family support and tax reform are also…

Studies state library agency job application forms from the 50 state libraries to determine whether these agencies comply with state and federal laws regarding fair employment practices. Findings revealed that some states violate EEOC guidelines, especially concerning job application flow data. (CDD)

Numerous interpretation problems currently exist in the statutory and regulatory definition of "handicapped individual." The three-part definition as set forth in section 504 of the 1974 amendments is analyzed, and potential sources of controversy are identified in each section. Possible applications of such a broad definition are…

Contends that it is important to eliminate negative attitudes and discriminatory behavior toward children and adults with disabilities. Reports on a study of the effect of a unit on the history of treatment of persons with disabilities on 142 nondisabled students enrolled in 7 10th-grade social studies classes. (CFR)

Assessed the practical, social and emotional impact of home enteral tube feeding (HETF) on children and their families. Found that training for non-parent caregivers was inadequate. Consequently, access to education and social services may be restricted due to the perception these children require nursing care. (SD)

A study investigated the impact of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 on the provision of wayfinding aids in local authority buildings in Scotland. Results indicate that although the DDA has raised awareness, it has not necessarily led to the incorporation of wayfinding aids in new or refurbished buildings. (Contains references.)…

Examines the impact of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act on private schools. Describes the dilemma faced by parents of students with disabilities who choose a private or religious school. The cost of providing needed services exceeds parental and school budgets. Calls for a closer examination of how the laws actually limit access to…

Hypothetical teacher candidates were created, some of whom were depicted as having an acknowledged disability, others having no acknowledged disability and all varied with respect to chronological age. A national random sample of public school principals evaluated the teacher candidates as if screening for a vacant position within their school…

The author considers the legality of minimum competency testing diploma requirements applied to the handicapped in light of (1) their constitutional and statutory rights to nondiscriminatory treatment, (2) their statutory right to an appropriate education, and (3) their constitutional right to substantive and procedural due process. (Author/SSH)