Quality of life and self-determination are important values in the field of intellectual disabilities however they may be difficult to facilitate with persons who have limited communication skills. In fact, many studies provide evidence that these persons have less opportunity to make choices and express their preferences. To help practitioners…

Individuals have increasingly recognized the role that guidance for learning and work can play in encouraging adults to achieve their educational and personal goals. This pack of materials was designed to help those who offer guidance to adults and take a pro-active approach to developing quality assurance. These seven booklets are intended for…

The issue of accidental environmental contamination of homes and businesses has been of increasing concern. Actual costs to state and federal governments for relocation of persons and restoration of habitats have run into the tens of millions of dollars. In addition to these real costs, there have been more illusive costs to public health. These…

The compendium presents a view of 70 programs participating in the Illinois supported employment initiative. A preliminary chapter analyzes the implementation of supported employment in Illinois. It provides a brief history of the Illinois supported employment initiative, describes the Illinois Supported Employment Project, examines the impact of…

This report was prepared as part of Mississippi's reporting requirements for Public Law 100-146, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1987. It contains the results of 300 in-person interviews determine their satisfaction with services. A descriptive analysis of the interviews is presented in six chapters…

Results of a longitudinal study of mentally handicapped Canadian adults' perceptions of their quality of life led to development of a conceptual model. The model calls for a reciprocal link between client and field worker wherein the field worker mediates goals and develops a program based on client-generated programing selections. (JDD)

Evaluation of effects of moving mentally disabled individuals from a British National Health Service hospital into community group homes found much overlap between the institutions' caring routines and practices with the community hostel setting, providing only slightly more opportunities for personal choice, privacy, personalization, integration,…

The study found that quality of life of 46 mentally retarded individuals was impacted by the funding source used to support their community-based residential programs. Clients in programs using Medicaid funds were less active and involved in life than were clients living in programs funded by non-Medicaid state sources. (Author/JDD)

Outdoor education should educate people in, about, and for the out-of-doors, regardless of age or activity setting, and must document the effects technology has had on leisure as well as on outdoor education. (Author/MH)

This report describes the methodology used in an evaluation study to measure the effectiveness of the West End Special Education Local Plan Area's program for improving the transition of special needs students from secondary school into adult life. Goals of the San Bernardino, California, study included measuring students' quality of life upon…

This overview provides basic information on the causes of deaf-blindness and the particular challenges faced by individuals who are deaf-blind. Causes of deaf-blindness include various syndromes, multiple congenital anomalies, prematurity, congenital prenatal dysfunction, and various postnatal causes. Differences between people deaf-blind from…

This overview provides basic information on the causes of deaf-blindness and the particular challenges faced by individuals who are deaf-blind. Causes of deaf-blindness include various syndromes, multiple congenital anomalies, prematurity, congenital prenatal dysfunction, and various postnatal causes. Differences between people deaf-blind from…

This paper examines relationships and interactions among the consumer (with a developmental disability), his or her family, and agency staff as they impact the consumer's life course and lifestyle. Approaches and activities to enhance effective relationships include setting policies that support these relationships, training staff with this…

A Queensland (Australia) interview survey of 19 rural and 31 urban individuals over 50 years of age with mild or moderate intellectual disability is reported. Results are reported for both groups in terms of access to and participation in community activities, self-care and independence, health problems, and economic situation. (DB)

This "feature issue" reports on consumer-controlled housing for persons with developmental disabilities, and explores housing and service options that empower individuals with disabilities to live their lives with independence, privacy, and freedom of choice. It includes an excerpt from the Association for Retarded Citizens position…