This article describes the use of ecological assessments for medically fragile students to ensure transitions across service settings. A multi-step process involving the collaboration of multidisciplinary medical and educational teams to develop a Health Care Plan is described. The school health nurse is targeted as the liaison who facilitates…

A survey of 523 special educators in Missouri examined their knowledge level concerning traumatic brain injury (TBI). Results indicated a low level of knowledge pertaining to the definition and criteria for TBI and high interest in learning more about characteristics and instructional practices. Workshops and guest speakers were the vehicles which…

This article provides school personnel with considerations for facilitating the successful management of students who are technology-dependent in the classroom and school environment. Guidelines based on student needs, instructional strategies, staff training, and organization of the physical environment are provided. (Author/PB)

This paper describes findings from a survey of the attitudes of 188 special education teachers toward ethical dilemmas surrounding surgery, active and passive euthanasia and the right to die. (Author/PB)

This paper responds to Wood and May's survey of special education teachers' attitudes toward euthanasia. It is pointed out that the mere existence of attitudes supporting euthanasia does not constitute a validation of such attitudes. The discussion of euthanasia of individuals with severe disabilities is discussed as representative of a…

Five universities offering credential programs for teachers of individuals with physical disabilities jointly investigated demographics, and teacher competency and training options. Surveys completed by 220 administrators and 143 teachers indicated a body of expertise exists available to special education teachers, and special and general…

The Vermont Independent Services Team Approach (VISTA), is a cross-disciplinary method for planning consensus decisions about type, mode, and frequency of related services required to support a student's educational program. After six student planning teams used the VISTA model, team members reported higher levels of confidence in team practices…

A 44-item questionnaire consisting of teacher competency statements was completed by 54 educators of students with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Competencies rated as most important for educators working with students with TBI focused on instructional strategies, program planning, and collaboration with other specialists. Respondents rated the…

Three case studies describe the process of parental grieving for the loss of a child with a disability. Characteristics of mourning unique to such a death are discussed. It is argued that, contrary to suggestions that chronic sorrow may end with the child's death, the emotion continues to emerge at peak times throughout the life of the parent.…

This study tested the efficiency of two different body sites (the head and the left hand) for operation of a computer adaptive switch by an adolescent with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Data were collected during an assessment phase and a motor training phase. Results after analysis of the collected data were contradictory and inconclusive.…

This article provides an overview of the educational implications of diabetes in children through discussion of the nature of diabetes, factors associated with educational performance, and the teacher's role in meeting the child's needs. It argues that teachers should treat these students as normal learners, without ignoring their unique needs or…

The literature on health care for individuals with mental retardation is reviewed. Major topics include: specific needs of individuals with intellectual impairments, the role of parents in health care, the need for collaborative relationships between health care professionals and families of children with disabilities, and the need for specific…

Recommendations are provided for the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as it pertains to individuals with physical disabilities. Recommendations address the following areas: professional development of teachers, physical disabilities as a focus category in the support programs, and incentives for model…

Mathematics performance in 32 children with spina bifida was investigated at 3.8 through 8.8 years and two years later. About half showed mathematics difficulties. At the time of the second data collection, 28% of the subjects were identified with mathematics and other learning disabilities and with language impairments. Visual perception…

Outlines the legal issues surrounding the provision of school support services and assistive technology for children with disabilities. The definition of assistive technology and related services is examined, with findings from relevant case law provided. Information is provided on interpretation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973…