Special education and engineering education: an interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate training

As a result of the passage of Public Law 99-457 in 1986, services for three-year-old to five-year-old children with handicaps must be provided by public schools beginning in the 1991-1992 academic year. It is noted that this change in federal law governing services to children provides a unique opportunity to enhance educational training and preparation of special education students and engineering students. Possibilities of building on the strengths of programs at two universities are being explored. The authors describe a proposed plan of implementation matching practicum and student teachers with support personnel, in the form of junior and senior engineering students, to assist in identifying individual needs in the classroom and developing appropriate materials and/or adaptive aids. A list of assistive technology resources and conferences related to technology is also included.<>