Addresses issues of advances in medical technology as related to deafness, including different meanings of the term "medical technology" and the relationship between ethics and the scientific method, production and use of the cochlear implant, and sign language versus aural/aural-communication methods with prelingually deafened children who have a…

The first of thirteen papers presented at a 1980 conference on rubella-caused deafness provides an overview of the problems involved in advocacy, organization, and planning of services. (CL)

While the United States rubella immunization program has controlled epidemic rubella, endemic rubella activity still occurs and affects primarily adolescents and young adults. (Author)

The paper reviews data on the size and major characteristics of the population of rubella deafened children, with emphasis on those born during 1963-65. The focus is on the impact that this large group of deaf youngsters will have on postsecondary educational institutions and rehabilitation agencies during the decade of the 1980s. (Author)

Three studies are reported. The first two were conducted with students at a postsecondary program for the deaf. The third study was conducted in 20 residential and day programs for the deaf. Projections are given for the likely activities of these students following high school. (Author)

The authors discuss the incidence of impairments diagnosed among children with congenital rubella syndrome. Approximately 73 percent are hearing impaired, at least 35 percent have congenital heart disorders, and 33 percent have visual defects. (Author)

A longitudinal study of 214 rubella deaf children (13 to 14 years old) revealed a low incidence (10%) of neurologica damage among those with normal intelligence, but a high incidence (51% to 70%) among those who were mentally retarded or blind. (Author)

The paper provides data on the numbers and developmental functioning levels of deaf blind children with maternal rubella. Ramifications of their future needs in the vocational rehabilitation process are considered. (Author)

Interviews with parents of deaf children, some with maternal rubella, are described in terms of the parents' concerns for the future.

Scientific inquiry too often focuses on "what's wrong" and not "what's right" with deaf children, including those with maternal rubella. Failure to succeed should not ignore factors other than etiology, including educational and communicative factors. (Author)

Postsecondary services should be planned for three groups of multihandicapped deaf students: those needing independent living skills, those seeking direct occupational preparation, and those seeking and able to profit from an academic program. Seven guidelines are suggested for program planning and delivery. (Author)

The increased numbers and additional handicaps of deaf students born in the 1963-65 rubella epidemic require not more postsecondary programs, but rather strengthened programs and rehabilitation approaches to vocational and independent living skill training. (Author/CL)

Summarizing salient information from the preceding papers (EC 132 316-326), the author cites nine major issues and recommendations, including the fact that considerable underutilized legislation should be brought to bear on the needs of children and adults with rubella. (Author)

The author asserts that computers are in schools for the deaf and that their uses are unlimited. She describes computer toys, such as BIG TRAK, as well as software programs for language arts, mathematics, and word processing. (CL)

The Reading and Microcomputers Project at Texas School for the Deaf is designed to provide inservice teacher training in computer technology, develop software for enhancing secondary students' vocabulary skills, and teach students computer literacy skills. Recommendations of project staff include training aides, students, and volunteers in the…