The project described in this paper included a bold attempt to involve a person with learning difficulties as a co-researcher. The authors are uncompromisingly honest in their appraisal of how this initiative did not work out as well as they had hoped, and blame themselves for not setting up the infrastructure for it sufficiently well. One point…

In the course of the author's research into media representations of vulnerability and disability at end of life, she came across two local news stories, both thoroughly reported on by the "Winnipeg Free Press". In November 1998, doctors at a long term health care facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba insisted on entering a "do not…

Explores the impact of disability on psychosocial development in old age and vice versa. Considers both the ways that physiological disabilities influence normative psychosocial development in the final stage of the life cycle and the kinds of influence psychosocial factors may have on the older person's experience of disability. (Author/BL)

Obtaining a valid informed consent from an elderly person, especially with possible senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type, first may involve solving the practical problems of effective communication. Impediments to effective communication with these individuals is discussed and suggestions for how to obviate them are given. (Author/BL)

This discussion of geriatric rehabilitation stresses the importance of holistic and permanent rehabilitation with a fluent transition from the acute phase to the rehabilitation phase under one specialist's care and in one institution. Recommendations include mixed age groups in one ward; systematic education of relatives; follow-up rehabilitation…

Fear of aging may be a fear of disability and fear of disability can be understood as fear of dependence. The ubiquity of disability across age groups indicates a need to reconceptualize disability as a part of the human experience. (Contains 56 references.) (JOW)

Discusses critical factors complicating efforts to assure quality of in-home care for people with chronic disabilities: client and provider characteristics, fiscal restraints, inadequate regulation, lack of quality assurance methods, and lack of coherent social policy for long-term care. Identifies three areas of policy to be addressed if efforts…

To fill a gap in the existing knowledge base the network of personal and community supports that may be mobilized by rehabilitation counselors in working with older, disabled persons is identified. (Author/BL)

Contends that the aging of the population and the widespread prevalence of significant mental and physical disabilities create ethical dilemmas in providing care. Discusses two dilemmas, competency to refuse treatment, and recompense for prior mistreatment as illustrations. (Author/ABL)

Asserts that constraints on autonomy of elderly people with disabilities arise from low goal formulation and underestimated potentials for self-realization and full participation in society. Suggests utility of reviewing effects of Women's, Mentally Retarded, and Independent Living Movements to assess presence or absence of elements analogous or…

Discusses increases in numbers of elderly with disabilities. Contends the intersecting of aging and disabilities and the habilitative benefits derived by elders at this intersection will be facilitated by education and that gerontological educators should lead in this process. (ABL)

This document contains six essays examining the history and impact of the social security program on America's economic and social development. "Social Security: The Cornerstone of American Social Welfare Policy," by Malcolm H. Morrison, presents brief background information on the system and discusses the basic principles of social…

Proposes a merger of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Vocational Rehabilitation Act as a means of centralizing enforcement, equalizing protection, and increasing the expertise in the handling of the claims. (IRT)

Addresses some issues of a group of caregivers who are virtually ignored--the elderly who provide care rather than receive it. Contends elderly parents who care for disabled adult children may have needs slightly different from other caregivers. Concludes research is needed so that social workers can better serve these families. (Author/ABL)

This paper discusses current issues regarding assistive technology devices and services, especially in relation to the roles and responsibilities of the rehabilitation psychologist. Following an introductory section which defines an assistive technology device and an assistive technology service, the following sections discuss: (1) past…