An overview of the history and activities of a nationwide citizens' group, Action for Children's Television, is provided. The organizational structure of the group is outlined, its aims and objectives specified, and its advisory board listed. ACT positions and activities in the area of advertising in children's programs, televised violence,…

Presented is a manual which focuses on the Chairperson-Sponsor relationship of Parents Anonymous (PA), an organization for helping parents with child abuse problems. Brief sections cover the following topics: Jolly and Leonard (the cases of two people, one an abusive mother and the other a psychiatric social worker, involved in PA); the basic…

Intended for parents of gifted children, the directory reports information on parent groups and the role of parents as teachers and advocates. Color-coded sections cover the following topics: formation of the directory, legislation, sources of books about gifted children, ways for parents to reach educators, and hints for parents at home. The bulk…

Describes the ways in which the New York State Special Education Instructional Materials Center has become a major force in improving education for handicapped children in the state, with special reference to parent education and participation programs. (ED)

A humanistic approach to a busing-pairing scheme has brought two Denver public school areas together in more ways than one. (Editor)

The article describes the National Special Education Alliance, a network of parent-led organizations seeking to speed the delivery of computer technology to the disabled. Discussed are program origins, starting a local center, charter members of the alliance, benefits of Alliance membership, and the Alliance's relationship with Apple computer. (DB)

The history and structural evolution of VOICE for Hearing-Impaired Children is described. Located in Toronto, Ontario, VOICE is the largest parent-support group of its kind in North America. Through its chapters and associated parents groups, it has implemented social and educational policy advocacy and various service delivery models. (Author/VW)

Describes ways in which parents and professionals are working together to ensure that goals related to family support are translated into policies, programs, and services in the care system for children and youth with serious emotional disorders. Features a parent organizing project in Wisconsin. (RJC)

Preschool parent-teacher associations (PTAs) help parents learn more about their young children through interaction with other parents. Current programs and activities of other preschool PTAs and organizational ideas are listed. (DF)

This pamphlet notes how active family involvement in education can benefit children's achievement, attitudes, schools, and teachers. It describes how families and schools can work together to contribute to the education process. The pamphlet details the components of a family-school partnership promise to work together, exchange information,…

Differences in research expectations from the perspectives of the consumer (parents and individuals with autism) and the professional academic or research scientist are highlighted. The role of parent groups in supporting and receiving support from the National Institutes of Health is noted. (DB)

This article discusses the benefits of support groups and networks for parents of premature and high-risk infants. Options for starting and maintaining groups are discussed, and a resource section lists self-help organizations, training materials, and reference works. (Author/PB)

This article applies the business concepts of cooperative partnerships between purchaser and supplier to improvement of programs for gifted students. It encourages systematic liaison between parent groups (the purchasers) and school and program administrators (the suppliers). (DB)

This article reports on the descriptive results of a national survey of statewide parent-to-parent programs. Results are summarized concerning demographics and organizational models; program components, supports, and services; matching referred parents with veteran parents; and technical assistance provided to local program coordinators or…

The Family Empowerment Scale was completed by 161 families of children with serious emotional disturbance (SED) or SED along with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results indicated that membership in a parent support group was a strong predictor of family empowerment, particularly of the systems advocacy and knowledge dimensions of…