There has been limited focus in the disability field on assessing and intervening to promote strengths of character. However, character strengths have received significant attention in the broader field of positive psychology. This paper provides an overview of the growing science of character strengths and explores why and how character strengths…

This article describes a social-ecological approach for promoting and enhancing self-determination among individuals with developmental disabilities. A five-level model is presented, based on the interaction of person and environmental factors, that identifies a series of social mediator variables (i.e., social effectiveness, social capital,…

Over the last few decades, advances and innovations in the field of disability and disability supports have resulted in changes in the way in which disability itself is understood and conceptualised. These changes, which embrace a person-environment fit model of disability, have obvious implications for disability supports and research. Within…

In recent decades, there have been shifts in the conceptualization of intellectual disability and increased attention has been directed toward the importance of identifying and capitalizing on the strengths and capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities as a means to promote meaningful participation, community inclusion, and quality of…

This paper offers a framework for measuring outcomes for students with disabilities using quality of life principles identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, namely: (1) equality of opportunity; (2) full participation; (3) independent living; and (4) economic self-sufficiency. It urges that these goals guide curriculum and…

This article focuses on self-determination and quality of life in special education services and supports. It discusses essential characteristics of self-determined behavior, core quality-of-life dimensions, quality-of-life assessment and instruction, assessment, how quality of life and self-determination are related, and curricular issues in self…

A survey of 216 adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities who belong to self-advocacy groups found that individuals unemployed and employed in sheltered settings perceived themselves as having less control than individuals employed competitively. Results are examined in light of quality of life findings, focusing on the need to include…

This study surveyed 94 school leavers with mental retardation or learning disabilities 1 to 3 years later. Students who were more self-determined fared better across multiple quality of life categories, including employment and access to health and other benefits, financial independence, and independent living. (Contains references.) (Author/PB)

Adults with mental retardation (n=392) involved in self-advocacy groups completed the Life Choices Survey. Findings indicated that this group indicated more choice opportunities than most adults with mental retardation and that total choice availability varied with level of disability and type of living arrangement but not by age or gender.…

Supporting people with disabilities in expressing preferences and making choices is a core value in positive behavior support. Indeed, in recent years, the field has increasingly focused its attention on the importance of making choices and the potential benefits of choice-making opportunities in enhancing the quality of life of people with…

Recent literature in the field of transition studies emphasizes importance of creating self-determination supports to promote independence, autonomy, and quality of life in students with disabilities. Much of that literature, however, has not taken cultural and familial factors into consideration. A review of the Navajo family and disability…