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…

This paper examines the status of U.S. disability-related equal opportunity laws and identifies gaps in coverage, shortcomings and inconsistencies in interpretation and application, and deficiencies in enforcement. Problems with the scope of coverage result from: (1) laws that are not enforceable in federal courts against states, not co-extensive…

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…

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…

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…

Every year, the University of the State of New York and the State Education Department present to the members of Congress and the Federal Administration their analysis of key education issues and proposals for related legislation. This 1992 edition focuses on four main issues: (1) promoting technology as an integral part of teaching and learning;…

This issue of Forum, a journal designed to permit California community college faculty to share ideas, contains six articles focusing on issues related to the enactment of Assembly Bill 1725 (AB 1725). The first article, "Your Father's Oldsmobile: The Uses of Tradition in Core Programs," by John McFarland, analyzes the development of…

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)

Problems of mainstreaming and racial integration in American schools are analyzed by a Japanese observer. The individualized educational program ideology is seen often to prevail over the principle of mainstreaming. A "separate but equal" approach contradicts the spirit of the Federal Handicapped Education Act. Synthesis of togetherness,…

Addresses the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the regulations that followed it to provide clear guidance to persons with disabilities regarding their rights for inclusion in the mainstream of society, and specifically, their rights to share their talents as related to all types of group work. (LKS)

Supports the important work of group counselors by focusing on the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in nondisability specific groups and addressing disability myths, disability etiquette, architectural accessibility, and group process issues. (LKS)

A review of the literature on the socioemotional development and status of hard-of-hearing students in regular classes identifies sources of negative attitudes to which students may be exposed. These include the presence of a hearing aid, requests for clarification, speech impediments, erroneous information in available literature, confusing…

Allan Ridley has many interesting qualities, not least his determination. Though he is totally blind, he doesn't let that stop him pursuing his interests, whether he is water skiing or learning database design. When asked to tutor blind learner Allan Ridley, the author had to give a lot of thought to making the curriculum accessible. This article…

This report calls for the phased closure of separate, special schools in the United Kingdom as a main task in developing inclusive education. It argues that the central problem in the development of inclusive education in the United Kingdom is the continuing philosophical, financial and legislative support of segregated schooling. The report…