Libby G. Cohen

An Analysis of the Transition Process in Maine.

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.

Reading and Writing: Integrating Software into the Curriculum.

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.

Selective abortion and the diagnosis of fetal damage: issues and concerns.

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 Wests 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 in Withholding Care from Severely Handicapped Infants

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 societys apparent acceptance of this practice and several solutions to the problems.