The author describes a process through which parents of exceptional children or school personnel in any community can organize a parent group for themselves and their children. (CL)

The directory lists 88 parent-to-parent support programs for parents of children with disabilities mostly in the states of Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. (DB)

Described is a parent sponsored preschool formed by 10 mothers of handicapped children who could not obtain child care assistance elsewhere. (GW)

The characteristics of Prader-Willi syndrome, which include obesity, short stature, and mental retardation, are explained; and the history and activities of the Prader-Willi Syndrome Parents and Friends organization, whose primary purpose is to act as a vehicle of communication for sharing experiences on how to cope with the syndrome, are…

Parent groups have evolved from providing direct services to mentally retarded persons to advocacy efforts. Continued activities should focus on program quality monitoring, legislative and governmental action, and, if necessary, litigation. (CL)

The Coalition on Smoking OR Health was established to coordinate education programs to discourage young people from smoking. Projects that could be undertaken by parent associations are suggested. (MT)

Author, national president of Canada's Home and School, describes the association's history and activities. (MB)

The topic of this month's column is the development of parent organizations for parents of gifted and talented children.

Presents some considerations and guidelines for child welfare workers who are recommending Parents Anonymous to clients with child abuse problems. (BD)

This article looks at ways the Social Security Administration is changing its image to be more helpful to families with a disabled child. Noted are Supplemental Security Income benefits, the part played by the National Parent Network on Disability, and the recent "Zebley" Supreme Court decision. (DB)

Peer support can be helpful in reducing the stress involved in giving birth to and raising a child with handicaps. A peer support group can help meet the parents' needs for information, emotional support, and ways to connect with social/health systems components. To be successful, a peer support system should be led by parents, have access to…

Suggestions are offered for establishing local parent association groups as advocates for gifted and talented students. Beginning concerns include location and recruitment of new members; affiliation with state and national groups (such as the Association for the Gifted within the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Assocation for…

Part of a 10 booklet series on talented and gifted education, the booklet discusses organizing a support group for parents of talented and gifted children. Aspects described include making the contacts, developing the structure of the group, possible group projects and activities, and suggested program topics. Techniques for insuring group success…

Intended for organizations serving the hearing impaired, guidelines are presented for organizing a coalition. (CL)

Described are commonalities and differences between parents of children with cleft palate and rehabilitation professionals, and offered are suggestions to increase communication and joint effectiveness. (DB)