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Discusses how the features of the Windows and Macintosh operating systems make computers accessible for students with special needs. Useful features of Windows and Macintosh; Solutions offered by the systems for visually impaired students; Information on how the SoundSentry in Windows can help students with hearing impairments; Uses of StickyKeys and FilterKeys.

In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 university and college faculty members after they had completed sabbaticals or other professional visits to academic institutions outside their home countries, in order to understand the nature of the personal and professional learning that this experience engendered. Respondents used categories of academic culture to describe their learning, including students’ attitudes and behaviour, curriculum, and administration. As well, they made general cultural observations. They described resulting changes in their practical knowledge, as well as deep, personal transformation as a result of the academic visits.

Three research studies were conducted which examined how the transition process was being implemented in Maine. These studies were designed to complement each other, and conclusions were that schools have been slow to implement policies and practices in a systematic manner. School professionals revealed an initial understanding of the transition process and were just beginning to become aware of their legal and educational responsibilities. School leavers, for the most part, ended up in jobs that required little training and low wages.

The purpose of this article is to review recent literature on the assessment of students' needs and preferences for transition services. A number of perspectives are presented. While the articles contribute to our knowledge and thinking about the topic, there seems to be a lack of consensus regarding the most appropriate approaches to take in the assessment of transition needs and preferences. Much more experimentation is needed with various types of instruments, how to use these instruments, and when to use these instruments, in order to assist in the development of instruments that can be used with confidence.

This study investigated how rural special education teachers and students use computer technology when working on reading, spelling, and writing activities. The results indicate that computers are not very well integrated in reading, spelling, or writing curricula. When students do use computers, they use them by themselves in the resource room or in the special classroom for reinforcement activities. Assistive devices, which could make computers accessible, are, for the most part, unavailable. Despite the evidence of the benefits of the use of microcomputers and software by students with special needs, this technology remains largely untapped.

This article discusses some of the issues involved in selective abortion of fetuses that may be handicapped or that have the potential of being handicapped. Computer searches of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and West's Law data bases yielded the sources for this article. A review of the legal issues relating to selective abortion is presented and, in order to place selective abortion in context, issues relating to abortion are reviewed. Next, issues relating to selective abortion are examined and suggestions for further discussion are made.

Ethical issues are examined that involve withholding medical treatment from severely handicapped infants. Although current laws do not sanction euthanasia, severely handicapped infants are often assisted in dying. Discussion includes society's apparent acceptance of this practice and several solutions to the problems.