This article discusses transition planning for students with special needs from diverse cultural backgrounds. First, an overview of individualist versus collectivist values is presented. Then, a comparison is made between individualist and collectivist values and how they may impact transition planning with respect to family involvement,…

This checklist is intended to help communities evaluate their provision of Personal Assistance Services (PAS) for people with significant disabilities. Although PAS services are the key component of individualized supports for such persons, they should be considered in conjunction with other services. Essential qualities of effective PAS are: (1)…

This manual provides rehabilitation service provider organizations with necessary information and instructions for completing an Information Request Form (IRF), the first step in the process of applying for recognition by the Regional Rehabilitation Exchange (RRX) Project as an exemplary program model in the area of independent living services.…

This annotated bibliography describes over 200 books, journal articles, digests, curricula, and monographs on the transition of youth with disabilities to work, community living, and postsecondary education. Resources are listed alphabetically by author within the following categories: (1) basic information on transition, (2) vocational/career…

This strategic plan begins by outlining the philosophy, mission, statutory basis, structure, programs, and resources of the Texas Commission for the Blind. The plan discusses the growing incidence of blindness in Texas and the need for training to keep individuals with blindness active and independent. The challenges faced by the Commission and…

This paper describes an adventure-based treatment program for court-involved youth who display significant alcohol or drug abuse behavior. Project Choices' clients meet the criteria for drug abuse from the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-Revised (DSM-III-R). The clients reside in Project Choices placement homes during the 8-week treatment and 8-week…

This practicum developed a program to help students with disabilities to locate adequate employment, utilize community services, and live independently in the community. Practicum activities involved developing a comprehensive K-12 vocational curriculum, developing a policies and procedures manual for competitive/supportive employment, increasing…

This information package explores a "housing/support services" approach to residential services for individuals with severe disabilities. It provides an introduction to housing strategies and resources that can be used to promote home ownership by parents and people with disabilities, to make all housing more accessible, and to increase the…

This report, one of series of reports describing innovative practices in integrating people with disabilities into community life, presents the findings of a study of privately operated community living arrangements funded by the Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation. It addresses three questions: (1) are the costs of the most expensive…

This guide examines rehabilitation of older persons with disabilities, to improve understanding of the problems that older workers face and to assist in helping them become employed or functionally independent. Chapter 1, "Overview of Aging and the Work Force Characteristics," presents demographic characteristics concerning the age of work force…

Intended to help young people acquire independent daily living skills, this book is the group leader's guide to an advanced youth training curriculum for developing appropriate communication competence. The guide's first session introduces the basics of communication, while subsequent sessions focus on communication in all aspects of life: on the…

Intended to help young people acquire independent daily living skills, this book is the participant's guide to an advanced youth training curriculum for developing communication skills. The guide's first session introduces the basics of communication, while the subsequent seven sessions (each intended to take approximately one hour) focus on…

The purpose of Project COMPETE is to use previous research and exemplary practices to develop and validate a model and training sequence to assist retarded youth to make the transition from school to employment in the most competitive environment possible. The curriculum described in this project working paper focuses on personal maintenance and…

This report examines the quality of life for individuals with mental retardation who live in a range of residential service settings in New York, and explores issues related to the provision of housing and appropriate supports. Five settings were studied: (1) an intentional Christian community where three individuals with mental retardation live…

This case study describes the recent development of two housing co-ops "Courtyard" and "CHORD," in Toronto (Ontario, Canada) that are inclusive of people with disabilities, that is, the co-ops were developed by people with disabilities, their families, and friends. Focus is on components utilized in the planning and development…