A comprehensive study that is also practical and realistic, "New Directions in Special Education" outlines principles for decision-making about special education at every level--from the family to the classroom, school, and district--and for state and federal policy. With this volume, leading scholar and disability advocate Thomas Hehir…

This article discusses aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) which may be of particular interest to individuals with learning disabilities preparing for employment. Case studies are presented to illustrate applications of the ADA to typical workplace situations, and suggestions are given with regard to employment preparation…

The aim of this paper is to critique the dichotomy between the legal regulation of disability discrimination in Australia, particularly in the State of New South Wales, and inclusion policy as espoused by public education authorities. It is argued that the law and inclusion policy are aiming at different outcomes. As a result, through legal…

The transition from school to adulthood is a pivotal time in the lives of all students. For a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), change of any kind can be challenging. A transition as momentous as this can seem daunting indeed. Thoughtful planning, good information, and open communication will help parents work with their young adult and…

This manual examines peace and justice themes with a specific domestic focus on issues rooted in the cultural, political, social, and economic fiber of the U.S. culture and economy. Each unit begins with overall goals for the unit with lessons developed around each goal. The lessons include brief background information for the teacher and…

This report presents case studies of five American Indian tribes that employed the Tribal Disability Actualization Process for considering disability legislative and policy issues. The first section reviews the history of the relationship between Indian nations and the United States, and addresses the demography of disability among American…

This pamphlet summarizes the responsibilities of school officials under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in administering nondiscriminatory disciplinary sanctions in the form of long-term suspension or expulsion of students with disabilities. It also summarizes the rights of disabled students and their parents or guardians in…

This collection of issue papers addresses the inclusion of students with disabilities who are labeled disruptive in general education classrooms. The publication begins by summarizing new provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997. The provisions make it clearer that students with disabilities must be…

This paper explores the detrimental effects that assumptions and labels have caused people with mental retardation and examines the concept of changing societal attitudes. The paper points out that: mental retardation has often been regarded not simply as one aspect of a person's life, but as engulfing the person's whole life and becoming that…

This guide outlines a 3-day program for principals that sensitizes them to equity issues so they can create an educational environment true to the principles of equal education. Objectives are the following: (1) provide participants with an overview of equity concepts and effective schooling research; (2) increase awareness of classroom disparity;…

A nationwide sample of disabled college student service providers was surveyed concerning the services they offer, and the results are represented for large and small institutions in the sample. The needs of disabled students on college campuses have become a national concern over the past 10 years as more disabled persons are exercising their…

Community and educational organizations are provided with guidelines for complying with the National Endowment for the Arts 504 Regulations for incorporating the needs of the disabled into programming efforts. Information is presented in three chapters. Chapter 1 focuses on the 504 regulations. Following an introduction, subsections describe the…

This memorandum from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services addresses student harassment based on disability. It begins by discussing why disability harassment is such an important issue and identifies federal laws that address disability harassment, including Section…

Some of the critical factors that have prevented equitable treatment of the minority student with learning disabilities are considered. Attention is directed to definitional issues, discriminatory practices in special education, issues in identification and assessment, treatment considerations, and difficulties inherent in the differentiation of…

In June 1979 the United States Supreme Court issued a civil rights opinion about handicap discrimination. A summary of the ruling is provided along with an effort to distinguish between those questions addressed and resolved by the Court and those discussed but not disposed of. (Author/MLW)