This paper offers a framework for measuring outcomes for students with disabilities using quality of life principles identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, namely: (1) equality of opportunity; (2) full participation; (3) independent living; and (4) economic self-sufficiency. It urges that these goals guide curriculum and…

Universal design for instruction is presented as a new paradigm for approaching equal educational access for college students with learning disabilities. Topics covered include changing student demographics, instructional challenges, the universal design concept, universal design in educational settings, and applying universal design to college…

This introductory article on adults with learning disabilities considers historical antecedents, the role of public policy (the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act), the movement within the field of learning disabilities emphasizing transition to adulthood, and the continuance of public policy…

This article explores new connections between the current literature base on adult developmental theory and the field of learning disabilities. Emphasis is on theory and practice in self-determination and adult development. Implications for special education, vocational education, general education, and adult learning are discussed. (Contains…

In this article, the practical aspects of clothing are compared to effective practices in special education. Actual competence is more important than the appearance, or cloak, of competence. It is argued that speaking openly about disability will do more to reduce its stigma than will euphemisms. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article examines how the related concepts of risk factors, protective factors, and resilience relate to postschool outcomes for youth with disabilities, especially the adult transitions of youth with high-incidence disabilities. Issues related to research and practice are identified, including building resilience through support at the…

This article argues that the current school reform movement of high-stakes testing is misguided. It advocates that democratic dispositions and cultural competency be included in the major goals of schooling and proposes that the purpose of schooling should be determined through public deliberation within diverse communities. (Contains references.)…

This article presents a comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing issues of disproportionate representation of minority students in special education. Specifically, a list of questions are suggested for evaluating which issues and factors of disproportionality exist in a school. Strategies to address the needs of students from…

The introduction to this special issue on legal issues and special education notes the inclusion of a sampling of disability issues related to litigation and briefly summarizes the following six articles. (Contains two references.) (DB)

Reflections on the 25-year history of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) first presents the litigable and legislative developments that led to the passage of IDEA, then examines the law itself and the litigation interpreting IDEA, and finally discusses the direction that IDEA may take over the next 25 years. (Contains…

This introductory article discusses increasing access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities as required by the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Three critical issues are identified: the need to develop appropriate curriculum materials, the need to provide access to complex curriculum despite a…

In this article, six Academy Award-winning movies about warfare and disability are analyzed by synthesizing historical information, characteristics of specific disability conditions, and disability-related social issues. Each film's content is examined, with emphasis on how each may potentially influence viewer understanding of disability.…

This article reviews "Getting Comfortable with Special Education Law: A Framework for Working with Children with Disabilities" by Dixie Snow Huefner, a book that explains the history and foundation of important disability-related laws and litigation and their most recent modifications for meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in…

This article reviews "Facing Learning Disabilities in the Adult Years" by Joan Shapiro and Rebecca Rich, a book that discusses the definitions, causes, and characteristics of learning disabilities as well as many interventions for successful adult adjustment. The information is aimed at helping families and professionals, as well as the adults…

This article reviews "ADHD with Comorbid Disorders: Clinical Assessment and Management" by Steven R. Pliszka, Caryn L. Carlson, and James M. Swanson, a book that provides information on children displaying both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other comorbid psychiatric conditions, complex psychopharmacological interventions that may…