This study evaluated the internal reliability and face validity of a linguistically modified Self-Description Questionnaire and a sign language video presentation of the questionnaire items with 10 deaf students (ages 8 to 13). Results suggest that the modified measure and video presentation are appropriate for use with deaf students without…

The writer, an individual with progressive hearing loss, describes the isolation and powerlessness experienced by people with hearing loss and comments on the great value that participation in the arts and art education can have in moderating this isolation and empowering individuals to find their own identity. (DB)

This paper describes the program of a special school in British Columbia for youth with behavior disorders and either learning disabilities or intellectual impairments. Program components (behavior therapy, activity-based learning, and attachment development) and program sequence (assessment, formulation and implementation of a Growth and…

This paper examines educational assessment systems in Canada and the United States, especially participation or nonparticipation of students with disabilities in provincial, state, or national assessments. Canada's lack of a national assessment system and U.S. lack of guidelines regarding participants and allowable accommodations for its national…

This review of the history of federal support for assistive technology summarizes technology-related statutes administered by the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and addresses the strategic agenda and commitments for the future that guide OSEP's Technology, Media, and Materials Program. (DB)

Analysis of 366 surveys completed by Pennsylvania teachers with educational responsibility for students using assistive technology found teachers were informed and experienced in the use of computers and assistive technology, issues of equipment complexity were seen as barriers to assistive technology utilization, and training and maintenance were…

A 2-year case study analyzed how assistive technology was used in educational programs for 14 children with multiple disabilities and 2 to 10 years experience with assistive technology. By the end of the study the children were able to use technology tools to accomplish tasks previously not possible due to disability severity. The greatest…

Comparison of 8 toddlers and 14 preschool special needs children who participated in teacher-facilitated computer play activities and 15 similar children whose curriculum did not incorporate computer activities found statistically significant differences favoring the experimental group for amount of simple and cooperative social play and positive…

This brief introductory article addresses the inclusion of students with emotional and behavior disorders in regular schools and general education classrooms, and questions whether inclusive environments are the best settings for students with these types of disabilities. The advantages and disadvantages of inclusion are reviewed. (CR)

This article argues that addressing the full spectrum of special needs of British students with emotional and behavioral disabilities requires mainstream school policies, behavioral support teams, satellite units, special schools, and residential special schools. A successful student placement into a special school is recounted. (Author/CR)

This article describes an Australian alternative specialized day and residential program called Hopetown School for older students with emotional or behavior disorders. The movement toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education to the fullest extent possible and the difficulty in including students with severe emotional…

This article examines the ideological roots of the Canadian movement toward supportive integration and its educational applications to children with behavioral disorders. Data are presented to show that Canadian school divisions continue to implement a cascade of services in their efforts to achieve full inclusion. (Author/CR)

This article describes a Herndon, Virginia, general education middle school that has an adjoining special center called the Herndon Center for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. The special needs of the students, the failure of less restrictive environments, and the unique characteristics of the center are discussed.…

This article reports the results of a survey of 150 Ontario (Canada) university students who were education majors. The survey investigated their attitudes towards the inclusion of children with disabilities into general education classes. The respondents had favorable attitudes toward inclusion but did not perceive themselves as being…

This study of 91 Canadian children (ages 10-13) investigated the effects of integration, social contact, and information on the attitudes of elementary school children toward their peers with disabilities. Students in integrated classes were found to have more positive attitudes in comparison to those in nonintegrated classes. (Author/CR)