The paper presents a rationale for involving parents of handicapped children in the multidisciplinary team process and offers suggestions to facilitate the involvement. Parental rights guaranteed by P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, are summarized. Advantages of parent involvement include increased understanding of their…

A survey was conducted nationally to determine the number of colleges and universities involved in team training and the manner in which training is provided. Results indicated that 48% of the 360 responding institutions do not offer team training. Of those programs with team training, the majority infuse the training components into existing…

A preservice teaming model using recreation as a curriculum vehicle for developing interdisciplinary skills in special needs students is described. Program strengths, including parent involvement and opportunities for student feedback, are noted along with replication considerations. (CL)

Questionnaire responses of 205 professionals on interdisciplinary teams serving disabled students indicated perceptions of few major problems in team functioning. Overall, Ss viewed logistical/procedural barriers of more concern than group interactional or discipline-related categories. (CL)

Roles are delineated for vocational teachers, special education teachers, and bilingual teachers in an interdisciplinary approach to vocational education of limited or non-English-speaking secondary handicapped students. (CL)

The article examines the differing roles of the teacher and paraprofessional in the instructional process and suggests specific ways in which the paraprofessional can assist with instruction of special needs children. (SB)

The article outlines the cooperative educational service agency (CESA) preschool multidisciplinary team (M-Team) processing cost as defined in the "Rules Implementing Subchapter IV of Chapter 115, Wisconsin Statutes." Eight steps of the M-Team process are itemized including diagnostic evaluation, M-Team staffing, and receipt of parental…

The transdisciplinary approach to intervention with handicapped infants is described. The joint team, staff development, and role release characterize the approach. Sections consider effective team functioning and remedies for team dysfunctions including problems in interpersonal relations, developmental process, team structure, and role release.…

Suggests a team approach for effectively and efficiently providing services for postsecondary students with disabilities. Reviews various teaming concepts and presents a framework for a postsecondary disability problem-solving team. (Author/JOW)

A growing body of research demonstrates that the nature of the relationship between parents and professionals and parents' judgements of their feelings of empowerment are closely linked. This article focuses on one component of this relationship--partnerships--and reports on the association between parent-professional partnership and both parent…

The article is based on a practice task, which was completed as part of the Higher Diploma/Masters in Family Support Studies at NUI Galway. The practice task explored in this article was conducted in a residential care unit that specialised in working with children and families. The care team based in the unit strived to provide more than…

In January 2004 faculty from the University of Scranton traveled to Mexico to establish relationships with universities, clinic personnel, hospital personnel, school personnel, and parents in order to increase their understanding of the role disability play in that country. This interdisciplinary group of professionals in special education,…

Physical skills, such as fine and gross motor skills, are necessary for students to play musical instruments. Cognitive skills are necessary for students to comprehend music concepts. Emotional and social skills are necessary for students to participate in musical ensembles and general music classes. Attention to these extramusical goals in music…

When the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized in 2004, one of the significant amendments concerned Individual Education Program (IEP) team attendance. A member of an IEP team may be excused if "the member's area of the curriculum or related services is not being modified or discussed in the meeting." The…

The paper highlights the importance of communication among all parties involved in individualized education programs for handicapped students. The rationale for an interdisciplinary team model emphasizes the teacher's role as educational synthesizer. A case study of a child with learning and behavioral problems is presented to illustrate specific…