Educational mainstreaming of physically handicapped children.

Abstract

The therapeutic and educational needs of 31 children who, after attending a private pre-school for the physically handicapped, were mainstrained in public schools are described in this paper. Their adjustment was followed for one to three years. Information was gathered through questionnaires and interviews with parents, children, and classroom teachers on how successful and to what extent the children had been mainstreamed, as well as what physical, academic, and social problems were encountered. Patterns and trends of relative educational abilities and disabilities of children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy are discussed in view of the literature and the problems encountered by this population. Questions that teachers frequently asked of health professionals who are experienced in dealing with the effects of handicapping conditions as well as a procedure for providing this information are also discussed. Successful mainstreaming depends on cooperative work and mutual advocacy among health professionals, parents, and educational personnel.