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This monograph reviews the research in linkages between schools and families of children with disabilities. An introductory section offers vignettes showing a typical school/home relationship of a family with a Down syndrome child in either 1958, 1978, or 1998. Part 1 considers what research has found about family functioning in terms of the adaptive family (models of stress and coping), the evolving family (models of family life course development), and the active family (the importance of routine activities for understanding family perspectives). Key research findings on family adaptation to raising a child with a developmental disability are summarized. Part 2 offers principles of collaboration between families and educators, including: (1) family-school collaboration is not consent, co-optation, or collusion; and (2) family-school collaboration should be characterized by access and affirmation. Part 3 offers two examples of activity-based linkages between schools and families: first, an assessment inventory to expand and adapt elementary and secondary curriculum; and, second, family-centered assessment in early childhood. Part 4 identifies some issues in family school linkages, such as the need for family narratives, cross cultural competence and family diversity, and inclusive education. (Contains 71 references.) (DB)

The pharmacodynamic profile of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their in vivosynergy are two factors that are thought to restrict resistance evolution and ensure their conservation. The frog Rana temporariasecretes a family of closely related AMPs, temporins A–L, as an effective chemical dermal defense. The antibacterial potency of temporin L has been shown to increase synergistically in combination with both temporins B and A, but this is modest. Here we show that the less potent temporin B enhances the cooperativity of the in vitroantibacterial activity of the more potent temporin L against EMRSA-15 and that this may be associated with an altered interaction with the bacterial plasma membrane, a feature critical for the antibacterial activity of most AMPs. Addition of buforin II, a histone H2A fragment, can further increase the cooperativity. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate temporins B and L readily form hetero-oligomers in models of Gram-positive bacterial plasma membranes. Patch-clamp studies show transmembrane ion conductance is triggered with lower amounts of both peptides and more quickly when used in combination, but conductance is of a lower amplitude and pores are smaller. Temporin B may therefore act by forming temporin L/B hetero-oligomers that are more effective than temporin L homo-oligomers at bacterial killing and/or by reducing the probability of the latter forming until a threshold concentration is reached. Exploration of the mechanism of synergy between AMPs isolated from the same organism may therefore yield antibiotic combinations with advantageous pharmacodynamic properties.

The Apollo moon missions of the 1960s pioneered the classic phased approach to space mission management. While successful at the time, this rigid and inflexible management philosophy has become synonymous with cost and schedule overruns of most high-profile space missions. The software industry has recently adopted modern, more flexible project management techniques based on “lean-agile” methods that enable team collaboration and communication through distributed task and schedule management, online document sharing and rolling-wave planning. However, due to the inherent schedule complexities of hardware development and the firm constraints of design review and launch timelines, flexible project management frameworks have not been widely adopted for space mission management. This paper presents a modified version of the traditional agile management philosophy, adapted to the unique needs of the space industry. A recent satellite development project was managed using the new modified-agile approach, while collecting project hours and task durations. Comparisons were made between this new style of space project management and a recently completed satellite development project using traditional space project management techniques. Results show that the new management approach reduced strain on the project team, improved overall productivity, and maintained a more level task loading when compared to the traditional management approach. This paper also illustrates how the new management approach can enable project resilience to change by analyzing its response to the labor disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is very challenging to design complex machines and systems that operate in very difficult remote locations, under largely unknown or uncertain conditions. Specifications for such systems must be extremely detailed and extensive, with input from professionals who have designed such systems before, and who gained considerable experience from their operations. Since much of the operating environment is not known in advance, cognitive informatics and computing should play a critical role in such design and operation. This paper describes such a complex system, the T-Sat1 nanosatellite, including its characteristics, its mission, subsystems, as well as the development of specifications, protocols for verification, testing, launch, early operating procedures, and concepts for nominal operations. Particular attention is given to the formation and maintenance of a team of teams, with a multitude of their interactions. The design teams must focus on the satellite subsystems, assembly, integration and testing. The teams of advisors (from academia, aerospace and other industries, business, military, government, and other organizations such as the radio community) must focus on optimal assistance provided to the corresponding design teams.

The academic field of disability studies has expanded rapidly over the last two decades or so. With that expansion has also come some growing ambiguity about exactly what is meant by the term “disability studies.” This article reviews the history and evolution of disability studies as an interdisciplinary approach to research and scholarship. While acknowledging the broad range of interests and approaches that can fall under the umbrella of the “disability studies” label, we argue that it may be useful to present a set of core themes or beliefs that seem central to disability studies as a field if it is to fulfill its promise as a truly different way of exploring the meanings of disability in society. Finally, we argue that disability studies should be of special interest to members of TASH and others with particular interest in the lives of people with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Introduction: Astronauts soaring through space modules with the grace of birds seems counterintuitive. How do they adapt to the weightless environment? Previous spaceflights have shown that astronauts in orbit adapt their motor strategies to each change in their gravitational environment. During adaptation, performance is degraded and can lead to mission-threatening injuries. If adaptation can occur before a mission, productivity during the mission might improve, minimizing risk. The goal is to combine kinetic and kinematic data to examine translational motions during microgravity adaptations. Methods: Experiments were performed during parabolic flights aboard NASA's C-9. Five subjects used their legs to push off from a sensor, landing on a target 3.96 m (13 ft) away. The sensor quantified the kinetics during contact, while four cameras recorded kinematics during push-off. Joint torques were calculated for a subset of traverses (N = 50) using the forces, moments, and joint angles. Results: During the 149 traverses, the average peak force exerted onto the sensor was 224.6 ± 74.6 N, with peak values ranging between 65.8-461.9 N. Two types of force profiles were observed, some having single, strong peaks (N = 64) and others having multiple, weaker peaks (N = 86). Conclusions: The force data were consistent with values recorded previously in sustained microgravity aboard Mir and the Space Shuttle. A training program for astronauts might be designed to encourage fine-control motions (i.e., multiple, weaker peaks) as these reduce the risk of injury and increase controllability. Additionally, a kinematic and kinetic sensor suite was successfully demonstrated in the weightless environment onboard the C-9 aircraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship of professionals with families of children and adults with intellectual disabilities is a key component in the planning and delivery of effective and enduring support services. Yet, the history of such relationships is not well understood. After briefly describing the context for these relationships in the early 20th century, a thematic analysis is presented of correspondence between parents and professionals at one institution for people with intellectual disabilities during the early 1900s. The study concludes with a brief discussion of what we can learn from this troubled history to improve family/professional relationships.

In this article, we argue that while an appreciation of disability's cultural context is fundamental, we should be careful not to replace one essentialist version of disability with a new one. We look at the relational patterns that emerge from the specific circumstances of significant intellectual disability. This article follows Clifford Geertz' well-known account of the multiple layers of cultural context and interpretive richness raised by even a seemingly simple act such as winking. By exploring the meaning of son's ability to wink, we argue that intellectual disability may be interpreted as the absence of culture. The article goes on to explore the fragility of this relationship through the example of the cultural status of adulthood. Two recent reform initiatives - independent living and community inclusion - are discussed in light of this interpretation of intellectual disability. Implications for further research are briefly mentioned.

The present study investigated the perspectives of parents of retarded children on their involvement with the clergy. Open-ended interviews and structured questionnaires were used to identify several areas of potential involvement by the clergy. These seemed not only important to parents, but also readily done by practicing clergy of local congregations. A general offering to help was the single most important service expected by parents. Several specific activities of both a religious and a secular nature were also discussed, along with recommendations for further research.

The paper describes an emerging model for dramatically restructuring disability policy in America. This model for policy reform attempts to escape the excessive individualism and loss of community that many social critics find at the heart of our current "system" of disability services. First, we review the failures of the existing mélange of disability programs. The sociological construct of mediating structures is used to understand how these programmatic failures have tended to perpetuate the social isolation of people with disabilities and their families. Then we identify some common features of progressive reform efforts now occurring within the field of developmental disabilities. We argue that, taken together, these features outline a new model for disability policy that can renew a sense of community and mutual support. Examples of programs consistent with the Supported Community Life Model are presented from the specific area of family policy. The paper concludes with some cautionary comments about potential misapplications of the Supported Community Life Model.

Transitions within families are socially constructed processes that need to be understood in both their historical and their cultural context. This study explored how parents interpret the events and relationships surrounding the transition of their children with severe disabilities from school to adult life. The study used qualitative techniques to collect and analyze data from two sets of parents grouped according to their children's ages. Results indicated that the parents interviewed tended to perceive three distinct types of transition: bureaucratic, family life, and adult status. Generational patterns of parental response to these transitions are discussed in terms of professional relationships and self-reliance. A matrix of these response patterns is presented. The findings suggested several ways in which parent-professional cooperation around transition events might be improved.

This article introduces a set of four articles with a shared focus on the emerging field of disability studies and its relevance to individuals with significant disabilities and their families. The purpose of this introduction is to summarize the common themes that run through the following articles. Points of agreement and disagreement are discussed.

Presents several letters to the editor referencing articles and topics discussed in previous issues. "The New Left and the Right," which focused on the New Left, published in the July 16, 1968 issue; "Political Assassinations," which discussed the assassination of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, published in the July 21, 1968 issue; Discussion on author Henry David Thoreau and the civil social order; "The Negro in the City," which focused on the African American problem, published in the June 18, 1968 issue.

The article discusses a response to an article entitled "Infamous Burntollet March" posted on the eirigi site. It notes that the use of the word "infamous" created confusion from the readers and the author, Gerry Ruddy, did not realize such misconception may happen. It states that Ruddy's intention for the article was for the recognition of the topic on the Irish Revolution.

A response to a letter to the editor about an article on Mairin Keegan in the January 25, 2012 issue is presented.

The article reports on the candidacy of the Workers Party (WP) in the election to be held in New Zealand on November 8, 2008. Among the highlights of the party's platform are its objection to imperialist intervention in the third world, the right of workers to free speech and organisation and a republic of the working people. It profiles several candidates of the Workers Party including Don Franks, Paul Hopkinson and Daphna Whitmore. The author emphasizes the good working relations between the WP and activists of the Alliance Party.