INCLUDING ALL CHILDREN - THE ADAS CHALLENGE TO EARLY INTERVENTION

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that n ursery schools, center-based child care facilities, and family provide rs be accessible to children with disabilities. Accessibility can only be denied in those situations where ''undue burden'' or ''direct thre at to health/safety'' can be substantiated. The issue that the ADA rai ses for early intervention is how to provide services in a manner that does not supplant or ''fundamentally alter'' the services of the chil d care setting. Collaborative teams of child care and early interventi on providers are an essential part of this delivery system. Teams requ ire a shared vision, mutual respect, and opportunities for ongoing com munication.