The authors present the findings of a special task group (STG) organized to explore effective training strategies for the practice guidelines focused on diverse populations. They provide a brief literature review and summarize survey data from academic training directors regarding current use of practice guidelines. The authors then describe the…

The provision of high quality orientation and mobility (O&M) services to older persons with visual impairments requires consideration of problems in attitudes, client characteristics, financial resources, inservice training, and the availability of age-appropriate assessment instruments. This paper discusses research on O&M interventions and…

To provide assistance to teachers attempting to implement a thematic, discovery-oriented preschool curriculum under funding conditions preventing a desirable teacher-pupil ratio, a practicum was designed to recruit and train retired senior citizens and involve them as volunteer aides in the preschool program of a church school located in the…

A widespread bias exists among legal, medical, and social service professionals that the appropriate placement for elderly individuals with cognitive impairment (dementia) is a nursing home. Two major reasons for institutionalization are to remove the patient from a potentially harmful situation and to relieve the family of the burden of care.…

Purpose: An increasingly important task for all disciplines involved in aging research is to identify and prioritize areas for investigation. This article reports the results of a national Delphi study on setting research priorities for gerontological social work. Design and Methods: Delphi methodology, a structured process for eliciting and…

Single, elderly, childless women are a specialized population needing social support. To examine the association between life satisfaction and social support among this population, 65 women (30 widowed, 35 never-married) were interviewed and completed the Life Satisfaction Scale. An analysis of the results showed that the never-married sample had…

This paper reviews the literature on the support systems of aging widows from an ecological perspective which includes personal resources, current assets as resources, and personal and group relationships. In the section on personal resources, research in the areas of the self, education, age, and race is reviewed. In the section on current…

Because no program existed in the Pottstown, Pennsylvania area which allowed children and senior citizens to interact in mutually beneficial ways, a practicum was designed to implement an intergenerational program in an elementary school attended by 540 students in grades K through 5. The intervention consisted of monthly meetings with volunteers,…

As alcohol and other drug disorders become acknowledged as major problems, the need increases for current information on the scope of the problem and appropriate treatment. This TIP serves to educate treatment providers with information about older adults who, in general, are more likely to hide their substance abuse, less likely to seek…

Programs are described which use adapted puppetry technology and play with the physically handicapped, the elderly, special needs classroom students, and temporarily housed families. The programs were found to improve intellectual, social, and emotional behaviors, including self-expression, imagination, and communication skills. (Author/JDD)

This feature issue of IMPACT focuses on the empowerment of families with a member who has a developmental disability. It presents strategies and models for a collaborative, respectful approach to service provision, and presents the experiences of families in seeking support and assistance. Feature articles include "Two Generations of…

This annual volume is an annual compilation of articles that address evaluation, treatment, efficacy, and credentialing, and a synopsis of programs that provide speech, language, hearing, and swallowing services. Featured articles include: (1) "Verification of Credentials and Privileging Review" (Kathryn W. Enchelmayer); (2) "The…

This guide evaluates more than 130 training curricula that were published or completed in or after 1987 and are targeted to training direct service staff or trainers of direct service staff working with people with developmental disabilities. The reviews are organized alphabetically by publisher. Topics and issues that were used to categorize the…