June 1994 — Editorial
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Editorial (untitled)
By Dr. Sylvia Charp Editor-in Chief An individual is defined as having special education needs if he or she has significantly greater difficulty in learning than his or her peers, or has a disability that prevents or hinders use of resources available in the typical educational institution. The U.S. Department of Education uses the following categories of disabilities: Learning, emotional and mental impairments; learning disabled; mentally retarded (includes mildly, moderately and severely retarded learners); seriously emotionally disturbed; and other health-impaired learners (e.g., autistic children). Physical and sensory impairments, orthopedically impaired, deaf and hard of hearing, visually impaired (includes partially sighted and blind) deaf/blind, speech or language impaired, and multiply handicapped learners. In 1976, Public Law 94-142 stated that the rights of all handicapped children include: 1) an education, 2) a free education, 3) an appropriate education, 4) the least restrictive environment for education, 5) due process under law, 6) confidentiality of information, and 7) non-discriminatory actions. Technology Aids Special Learners Computers can assist with learning difficulties. They are helping learners overcome their problems both as communication tools and learning aids. A wide range of devices now exist to enable learners with disabilities to take advantage of computers. The technology includes screen readers for blind people, alternatives to keyboards (switches, speech input, etc.) for physically disabled individuals, and keyboards with overlays of pictures or words for individuals with cognitive difficulties. An interesting program is in operation at Public School 47, School for the Deaf in New York City. Young adults design, print, assemble packages, bill, collect, market and sell sign-language products.1-3398
