Twelve author-contributed papers from a 1984 conference examine the future of special education. The following titles and authors are represented: "The Institute for Research on Exceptional Children at the University of Illinois" (S. Kirk and W. Spalding); "The Family with a Child Who Is Handicapped: Research Focus for the 1980's" (J. Gallagher); "Families with Mentally Retarded Members: An Agenda for Research 1985-2000" (B. Farber); "Future Directions in Early Childhood Education for Exceptional Children" (M. Karnes); "The Future of Early Childhood Special Education: A Perspective on Prevention" (K. Scott and D. Carran); "Technology and Special Education Futures: Paradigm Shift" (S. Ashcroft); "Technology: A Look Into the Future for Special Education" (L. Stolurow); "The Center for Studies in Education and Human Development: A Programmatic Approach to Research in the Area of Deafness" (D. Moores); "Leadership Training Models for the Future" (C. Howe); "A Proposed American Academy of Scholars in Education of the Handicapped" (L. Dunn); "The Future of Legislative Advocacy for Exceptional Children" (E. Boggs); "Public Policy and Special Education: An Unfinished Agenda" (E. Martin). (CL)
Brain disordersâ€"neurological, psychiatric, and developmentalâ€"now affect at least 250 million people in the developing world, and this number is expected to rise as life expectancy increases. Yet public and private health systems in developing countries have paid relatively little attention to brain disorders. The negative attitudes, prejudice, and stigma that often surround many of these disorders have contributed to this neglect. Lacking proper diagnosis and treatment, millions of individual lives are lost to disability and death. Such conditions exact both personal and economic costs on families, communities, and nations. The report describes the causes and risk factors associated with brain disorders. It focuses on six representative brain disorders that are prevalent in developing countries: developmental disabilities, epilepsy, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and stroke. The report makes detailed recommendations of ways to reduce the toll exacted by these six disorders. In broader strokes, the report also proposes six major strategies toward reducing the overall burden of brain disorders in the developing world.