This column describes several commercial Web sites seen to be helpful in special education and disability services programs and personnel preparation. These include sites of the Laureate Learning Company, the Slater Software Company, the Intellitools Company, the Attainment Company, and the Don Johnston Company. Potential uses for these sites are…

This introductory column on assistive technology (AT) explains key concepts including what assistive technology is, the relationship between AT services and outcomes associated with AT use, the meaning of "outcome," differing outcomes for various stakeholders, and repeated measures of performance with and without AT. It also identifies Web sites…

This study examined effects of video-based, anchored instruction and applied problems on the ability of 11 low-achieving (LA) and 26 average-achieving (AA) eighth graders to solve computation and word problems. Performance for both groups was higher during anchored instruction than during baseline, but no differences were found between instruction…

This paper examines federal policy, legislation, and adjudication related to assistive technology for students with disabilities. It considers the expanded mandate for assistive technology in IDEA 1997 and its implications, including costs and benefits. Recent federal court decisions, hearing decisions, and Section 504 rulings addressing assistive…

This article describes the development of a four-year course sequence in assistive technology (AT). Course participants learned how to assess student needs for AT, what AT devices were available, and how to make decisions within the individualized education program (IEP) team process. Major topical sections were data-gathering frameworks, legal…

This article discusses the adaptation of single switch technology and activities, found in a wide range of battery-operated toys, electrical devices, and/or computer software, for children with disabilities. Incorporation of multiple toys in the individualized education program (IEP) to enhance the rate of skill acquisition and generalization,…

This article offers guidelines for planning distance professional development via interactive video for special educators in rural areas. A comprehensive planning checklist is organized into nine tasks. Other suggestions address equipment and interaction tips for receiving sites and setting up the site to encourage inclusion and active…

This article describes five organizational Web sites that are good resources in selecting and using software with children who have special needs. The sites represent the DO-IT project, the Trace Research and Development Center, Special Needs Opportunity Windows, the Family Center on Technology and Disability, and the National Center for…

This column examines issues associated with measuring assistive technology outcomes in writing. Following an introduction to assistive technology and writing, it looks specifically at design, measurement, analysis, and decision making factors in the process of creating an outcomes system for measuring the impact of assistive technology on writing.…

This column explains the National File Format, a proposed voluntary standard for accessible digital instructional materials for students with disabilities. It considers the role of digital materials, difficulties with the present system of disseminating accessible materials, how a consistent file format for digital materials will help, and ways to…

A study compared United Kingdom classrooms containing nurture groups and typical classrooms (n=8). Teachers' verbal and nonverbal communications in the nurture group were much more positive and more likely to enhance the self-esteem of pupils (ages 5-7). Communication of typical classroom teachers were less likely to foster positive self-esteem.…

This article offers an overview of the development of practical approaches to professional development that, by deepening teachers' insight into emotional and social factors in children's learning, have been shown to supersede the need to exclude the disaffected. It discusses moving towards a more nurturing connective school culture. (Contains…

A study involving 27 young people with learning disabilities and 27 parents found many left school without any transition planning. Where transition planning had occurred, there was a stark mismatch between topics families wanted covered and those addressed. Many students who received transition planning had little if any involvement. (Contains 9…

This article suggests that the receptive language abilities of children with AIDS and HIV infection might be less affected than their expressive and non-verbal skills. It proposes an instructional delivery framework for children with HIV/AIDS that focuses on reading, arithmetic/mathematics, handwriting instruction, and the use of computers.…

This article argues that an investigation into parents' expectations could lead to a greater understanding of how parents of children with disabilities respond to their new-found situation. It discusses how people develop their understanding through interaction with their social environment and relates this framework to parents of children with…