Computers and interactive multimedia are here to stay. They are not fads. Perhaps technology support teams will become more prevalent in the schools. The goals of the general education curriculum will only be accessible when they are examined and shared by both special education and regular educators. Expectations need to be shared then negotiated at both the preservice and inservice levels.
Roles are likely to be shared too.
We've participated in teams where early childhood and special education personnel work together in the same room. I can't say enough about the importance of establishing a mutual culture and trust among staff and families. But in human terms, I believe if we truly do provide children with disabilities with the tools to access the general curriculum, we provide an opportunity for education to work effectively. Time and time again, our research and model demonstration projects consistently find that children labeled as having a variety of disabilities can do far more than their teachers and parents thought. They can also use KidDesk , send e-mail, and help develop a web site.