Purpose: To identify the most common beliefs concerning the negative consequences of falling and determine whether these motivate avoidance of activity. Design and Methods: A questionnaire assessing feared consequences of falling was completed by 224 community-living people aged older than 75. Beliefs about the consequences of falling were related…

Ten multihandicapped high-school students in the Dayton (Ohio) Public Schools were trained using a curriculum of independent community social skills, focusing specifically on restaurant skills, travel skills, shopping skills, self-care skills, and skills for visiting a business or government agency. The students made weekly trips into the…

A sample of 52 occupational therapists and 4 assistants rated 21 daily living skills in terms of their importance to the functioning of chronic mentally ill persons. Factor analysis showed no relationship between therapists' characteristics and perceived value of skills. Clustering of skills may suggest different levels or categories that may…

This study investigated the relationship between use of light rapid or light rail transit (LRT) systems by persons with severe visual impairments and independence in orientation and mobility. It found that orientation and mobility training on LRT systems would resolve many of the difficulties that users encountered. Modifications to improve…

This study of autonomous functioning in 100 adolescents with learning disabilities found that subjects differed significantly from a nondisabled comparison group in execution of management activities involving use of community resources and self-management but found little or no differences on self and family care, recreation, and social and…

Determined independent effects of nine self-reported medical conditions on the likelihood of developing specific instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) disabilities at three points in time. Various medical conditions differentially affect each specific IADL disability, and each IADL disability has its own set of predictors, which, in…

This study investigates use of computer simulation for teaching ATM use to adults with intellectual disabilities. ATM-SIM is a computer-based trainer used for teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities how to use an automated teller machine (ATM) to access their personal bank accounts. In the pilot evaluation, a prototype system was…

This brochure provides individuals with cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities with 24 specific tips for getting ready for the day and 14 tips for getting out of the house. Tips address organizing for the day, getting out of bed, getting out of the bathtub, dressing procedures and aids, obtaining easy-to-use clothes, tying shoelaces,…

Examined outcomes for all youths discharged from an independent living program from 1987 to 1994. Data included client characteristics and placement history, and assessment of skills as these relate to education, employment, savings, and living arrangements. Results indicated the life skills program improved the youths' self-sufficiency at the…

This study of 70 adults who were discharged from an inpatient hospital rehabilitation unit found a strong correlation between appropriateness of the initial admission of the patients and their functional gains. The study suggests admitting patients who have considerable gains to make and potential to return to community living. (CR)

The child welfare field is uncertain how to best prepare older foster wards for independent living. Research priorities in this area are discussed in five categories: (1) education and school-to-work transitions; (2) formal assessments of readiness for self-sufficiency; (3) provision of transitional supports; (4) support networks; and (5)…

This study, involving 118 adolescents and adults with deafness, found a high level of concurrent criterion validity for the National Independent Living Skills (NILS) Screening Instrument. The study concluded that the NILS is a valid tool for assessing independent living skills of persons age 16 and older with a hearing impairment and possible…

Used data from Georgia Centenarian Study to examine differences between rural (n=18) and urban (n=66) centenarians across physical health, activities of daily living, mental health, and life satisfaction. Found higher levels of morale in rural residents and higher levels of functional health in urban elders. Findings demonstrated absence of robust…

The Functional Independence Measure for Blind Adults (FIMBA) Preadmission Interview and the Post-discharge Interview was tested on 143 veterans with blindness. Findings indicate the veterans achieved gains in at least one of the three dimensions (frequency, ease, and satisfaction) across the 33 items that were measured by FIMBA. (Contains…

The quality, number, and content of residential Individualized Habilitation Plans (IHP) objectives were evaluated for 155 adult institution and community residents. Over 90 percent of objectives were functional and age appropriate. Community residents had significantly more IHP objectives and also had objectives from a wider variety of content…