The author examines the issue of preferential education for the handicapped from the perspectives of ethics, civil rights, and theories of justice. This article is part of a theme issue on disabled persons. (SJL)

Norman Kunc, consultant on educational and disability issues, discusses his early segregated education and perceived devaluation due to his cerebral palsy; the intrusion of therapies into his daily schedule; and the sometimes assaultive nature of physical therapy. Kunc views his disability as a characteristic of his personal diversity and…

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)

The meaning of the label "mentally retarded" is discussed with two adults who have been labeled mentally retarded and have spent a significant portion of their lives in residential facilities, and their stories are contrasted with R. Edgerton's classic study, "The Cloak of Competence." (PHR)

By requiring limited-English-proficient students and students with disabilities to meet the same targets at the same times as all other students, the NCLB imposes a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the individual child. Challenges school leaders to take care not to blame the students and still hold themselves accountable for continual…

An educator criticizes the appeals process provided for in the 1981 British Education Act for parents of children with special educational needs. Noted are discriminatory features of the provision, a common lack of independence by the hearing committee, and the limited authority of the Independent Panel of Special Education Experts. (DB)

Australian laws and regulations such as the Disability Services Act reflect the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities receive appropriate services. A tension exists, however, between policy formulation and service provision, which is influenced by disagreements on government's role in service funding, lobby groups, and the tendency…

Within the current historical crisis of transnational capitalism, disabled people are finding themselves increasingly at risk. It is essential to (re)theorize the category of disability, particularly in critical response to the emancipatory possibilities offered through "border pedagogies." The paper locates the conceptual category of disability…

The author examines concerns about whether or not, and by what criteria, handicapped students should be included in or excluded from comprehensive competency testing programs, as well as the implications of minimum competency testing for the handicapped. Pertinent legislation from several states is discussed. (Author/SJL)

This article describes the Japanese quota system for the employment of people with disabilities and assesses the potential of a quota law that includes financial incentives for compliance. It concludes that laws to compel the employment of people with disabilities are unlikely to be effective and may be counterproductive. (Author/DB)

A review of the history of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 clearly shows that the legal standard for providing a free appropriate public education to handicapped students is set forth in the Education of the Handicapped Act and not Section 504. (39 references) (MLF)

Presents moral philosophical arguments regarding life-saving medical treatment that may be more available to infants without disabilities than to infants with intellectual disabilities. Argues that human well-being is not based merely on individual characteristics, but is a result of the individual's relation to other people. (Author/CR)

This report explores current assumptions about the social and scientific formulations and treatments of disability that currently underlie the research agenda in the disability field. Formulations that focus on disability as residing in the individual (Individual Pathology) are discussed. Treatment strategies resulting from this definition of…

This collection of over 30 papers presents the view that all persons should be equally valued, provided equal opportunities, viewed as unique individuals, and be exposed to and learn from and about people with diverse characteristics. The papers offer insight into the process of moving forward to achieve both equity and excellence for all Canadian…

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has become an issue that schools must understand, especially in terms of the legal requirements of educating students who contract this disease. In a review of some recent court cases involving children with AIDS, this paper focuses on how to educate these children. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,…