A three-step process for developing a program to help youth learn independent living skills is described. The steps are: (1) identifying and ranking specific skills; (2) developing curriculum packages; and (3) involving adults from the local community to help teach those skills to youth. A list of 20 independent living skills is offered along with…

This paper discusses the instruction of adult performance outcomes and life skills in classes for students with mental disabilities. Basic considerations in teaching life skills include teaching for lifelong learning, teaching for relevancy, and teaching beyond textbooks and classrooms. Several strategies have contributed to the success of…

Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers. That's an important job--and this popular, highly respected guidebook makes it much easier. Already a trusted resource for thousands of families, this lively book gives parents of children from age 3 through young adulthood proven strategies for teaching children the life skills…

This guide, designed to help girls learn more about themselves and what they want from life, presents self-esteem exercises and coping skills. It opens with questions about self-discovery and what is important to them. Some examples of voicing one's opinion and making good decisions are also offered. Recognizing and dealing with different feelings…

A selection of available resources from various agencies is presented to inform the older adult about such issues as: (1) special travel arrangements for travelers with unusual needs; (2) accommodations; (3) local transportation, (4) recreational activities; and (5) fashions for the changing body. (JN)

Interviews with 23 former or current consumers of vocational rehabilitation services found not all were employed but the majority lived independently. Employees were happy with their jobs. However, workplace accommodations were virtually nonexistent. Suggestions are provided on areas in which people who are deaf and low functioning may need…

This article investigates the needs of the visually impaired over age 65 population and suggests rehabilitation services that could remedy the implications of age-related visual impairment. These include service-delivery programs that include peer support groups and one-on-one instruction, adaptive communication strategies, and orientation and…

Creating a "city" in the classroom can be an effective way to teach daily living skills in math, social studies, nutrition, energy conservation, and other subjects. Students can learn about jobs such as grocery story cashier and bank teller, and can learn about earning, spending, and saving money. (PB)

This "Packet of Information for Families" (PIF) was developed for parents whose children are identified as both gifted/ talented and on the autism spectrum, or twice-exceptional. Parents of twice-exceptional children often search for appropriate and challenging enrichment programs for their child, but the dearth of information available…

This manual is intended for people who are preparing to work with older American Indians with visual impairments and who have limited or no training in this area. Emphasis is on basic orientation and mobility skills and daily living skills. Preliminary information covers the following: the eye, definitions, the visually impaired population, and…

Recent work in the field of child and adolescent social skills is synthesized in this volume with new and unpublished information. The first three chapters provide a foundation for conceptualizing and assessing child and adolescent social skills. Chapter 1, "The Nature and Value of Social Skills," provides a definition, examples, historical…

This paper presents one approach to assessment of students with severe mental retardation, as implemented in the Harris County Department of Education in Houston, Texas. The paper views assessment as a strategic problem-solving process that acquires information vital for making programmatic suggestions. The benefits of parental involvement in the…

The document reports the rationale, goals, objectives, and activities of a Bergen County (New Jersey) program to appraise students in the sheltered workshop relative to prevocational and vocational strengths and needs and to prepare students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes for functioning semi-independently in sheltered…

Issues involved in the education of adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) include the necessity for the student to surmount organizational problems at home and at school, and the effects of inadequate social skills and the fear of failure. Parents of LD students should understand their rights in the assessment process, and should be…

The document contains an instrument for the vocational assessment of severely handicapped individuals. Provided for each of eight assessment areas are a list of characteristics/procedures for evaluation and a form for recording results. The following areas are covered: general appearance (body cleanliness/grooming, clothing cleanliness,…