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…

Case material from an anthropological field study of 57 blind adults in Tel-Aviv is used to illustrate the contradictions that blind Israelis face in the current transitional period from traditional segregation and dependent roles to an indeterminate type of integration and independence. (Author/JW)

Describes the experience of a high school student in Swaziland who donated time to accompany institutionalized children on weekly outings. Discusses his initial repulsion by the children's physical impairments and his development of compassion which grew out of his experiences with one young boy, Mbuso. (GEA)

Comparison of the attitudes of German high school students (n=119) with earlier studies of Irish and Australian students found German students more confident at meeting a person with mental disabilities, more interested in policy changes to ensure better services, less positive about general social integration, and very negative about…

Over the past decade, a growing number of complaints have been made against Australian education authorities over the language of instruction used to teach deaf children. The complaints, made under the "Disability Discrimination Act", were lodged with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission for investigation and possible…

A survey of 122 social work professionals from Austria, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Switzerland identified practical issues related to the everyday functioning and social integration of disabled and elderly persons. Respondents expressed the desire for more effective teaching materials to communicate client needs to the able-bodied. (JW)

A project of the Poona (India) District Leprosy Committee offers training in the industrial sector to leprosy patients, orthopedically handicapped individuals, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, under a common roof. The project aims to combat the leprosy stigma and to aid rehabilitation by making the trainees economically…

A Japanese psychologist and educator describes special education in Japan and the Movement for the Coeducation of the Handicapped with the Nonhandicapped in Neighborhood Schools. Influenced by mainstreaming policies in western countries, the Coeducation Movement calls for an end to handicapped student segregation and advocates student…

Surveys high school students (N=171) regarding their attitudes towards chronically disabled individuals who have special needs. Determined that previous personal knowledge of a child with a chronic disability influenced understanding of the particular ailment; and attitudes became more tolerant as students got older. Presents conclusions for…

The Special Education and Disability Act (SENDA) 2001 required post-16 institutions to have implemented the Disability Discrimination Act Part IV (DDA) 1995 by September 2005. In this paper a lecturer in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and a specialist teacher of the visually impaired from the Centre for Special and Inclusive Education at a…

This article provides an overview of the development of disability employment policy and rehabilitation services in Australia. In particular, it focuses on recent legislative and policy changes that attempt to address the high rates of welfare dependency, low employment rates and workplace discrimination experienced by people with disabilities. An…

Reports on 2 studies of the perceptions of 51 nonhandicapped children about severe learning difficulties. Finds that the understanding of severe learning difficulties can be interpreted in terms of three conceptual changes. Discusses these changes in the broader context of the development of social cognition. (CFR)

A survey of 75 countries investigated jobs performed by adults with visual impairments throughout the world. Although there is a greater diversity in the range of jobs in developed countries, people who are visually impaired do not have the same range of opportunities available to them as sighted people. (Contains references.) (CR)

Intended as a training manual for medical, educational, and institutional staff who work with disabled adolescents and adults, the booklet seeks to provide basic knowledge and dispel common myths surrounding sexuality and disability. Translated from Swedish, chapter titles and selected subtopics are as follows: (1) "Sexuality and Disability:…

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)