Today an ever-increasing number of infants and young children with and without disabilities play, develop, and learn together in a variety of places--homes, early childhood programs, neighborhoods, and other community-based settings. The notion that young children with disabilities and their families are full members of the community reflects…

Considers the effects on the family of the principles of individualism and capitalism that permeate Western culture. Finds Western culture creating autonomous, self-reliant, competitive, and consumer-oriented individuals, who create families that are chaotic, tenuous, and non-relational in their mode of operation. Discusses the educator's role in…