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Project Autism
The need for trained and qualified
personnel to work with students with autism is increasing. In 1995, the
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) reported that for the 1992-1993
school year (latest figures available), the greatest staffing shortage
in schools was for personnel to provide services to students with autism.
During that time period, OSEP reported that 23.12 percent more staff were
needed than were available to provide these services. OSEP also reported
that during that same time period, the greatest percentage shortage of
school staff, other than special education teachers, was in qualified recreation
therapists. Nationally, 27.51 percent (107) more recreation therapists
were needed as related service personnel than were employed. The
need for special education and therapeutic recreation services for students
with autism is evident. To address these needs, this project proposes an
interdisciplinary effort to prepare special education and therapeutic recreation
personnel to serve children and youth with autism. |
