Caring for a pet can give handicapped children a new sense of responsibility and self-esteem. The value of pet therapy is discussed, and examples of the sometimes dramatic response of handicapped children who participate in such programs are cited. Guidelines for choosing a pet are included. (PP)

A format for half-day or weekend projects that permit physically and/or mentally disabled persons to participate in special dance programs on college campuses is presented. The programs would be conducted by university students, with faculty supervision. Suggestions for adapting dance activities to meet the needs of the disabled are included. (PP)

In three citizen advocacy programs for the mentally handicapped, bases for matching advocates and proteges, advocate activity patterns, and relationships between advocate activities and protege characteristics and perceived needs were studied. (Author/PHR)

The article describes the Designed Improvement Program for gifted and talented fourth through twelfth grade students. Sections address three types of enrichment activities based on the J. Renzulli Enrichment Triad Model: general exploratory activities, group training activities, and individual or small group investigation of real problems. (SBH)

Student responses to a program designed to promote interaction and understanding between severely handicapped and nonhandicapped fourth- through seventh-grade students are presented. The children spent three weekly recess periods with their handicapped peers and one to three weekly sessions in a discussion group attended by the regular class…

A model program for providing recreational and leisure services to special populations within the school system is described. (JMF)

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, teachers and parents use a kindergarten screening and academic readiness intervention program that nips potential learning problems in the bud. (Editor/SJL)

The article describes a program which provides vocational training, career planning, and therapeutic supervision for older emotionally disturbed adolescents (for whom facilities are so often not available). It is explained that resources for the program have come from the local board of education and the community mental hospital. (PHR)

Approximately 500 students in special programs for the gifted were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward the programs and especially toward their identification as gifted. (DLS)

A review of the current status of children who were placed in foster care in New York City as infants or as preschool children. Emphasizes the need to stress plans for permanency. A supplement on data from upstate New York is appended. (BD)

Statewide support for gifted education was assessed through a public opinion telephone survey with 400 respondents in one state. Results indicated general support for specialized programs, except residential schools, for gifted children. Appropriate public relations strategies utilizing such survey results are suggested. (DB)

Discussed are some advances in the treatment of autism. The cooperation between clinicians and parents is highlighted. The success of one school program is described. (CW)

A photographic essay illustrates a composite school day for two teachers from Alabama and the gifted/talented students to whom they provide special academic tutoring during the weeks that the children rehearse and perform in productions in New York City. (JDD)

A British study of mainstreamed and special needs classes for older adults found that the special education approach encourages a narrow perspective of aging and an emphasis on disability. At Simon Fraser University, a certificate program for senior citizens determined that seniors like age-integrated classes and instructors need training in…

Explores benefits and impacts of outdoor leadership development programs upon disabled individuals, their friends, and program staff members. Explains four outdoor therapeutic recreation program models developed at Indiana University's Bradford Woods Outdoor Education, Recreation and Camping Center. Contains seven references. (TES)