Meeting of Experts on Integration of Severely and Multiply Handicapped Persons into General and Vocational Education. (Heidelberg, West Germany, October 26-30, 1981). Final Report.

Overview & Synopsis

The report presents recommendations from a 1981 meeting sponsored by Unesco (United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization) on the topic of integration of severely/multiply handicapped persons into general and vocational education. A summary of discussion topics addresses terminology; the concept of integration--its advantages and limitations; types of integrated education/vocational systems; preparation for integration (early detection, parent training and support, and specific programming for integration); and such general issues as legislation, research, and the problems of underdeveloped countries. The second part of the report presents conclusions and recommendations involving such concerns as right to education, legislation, models of integration, access, standards of professional staff in special education, role of the parents and the community, leisure activities, finance, and regional and international cooperation. (CL)