These conference proceedings contain papers on practical applications of rehabilitation and assistive technology in vocational and educational situations as well as independent living settings. Most of the papers are two pages in length. The papers are organized into the following categories, with the number of papers in each category appearing in…

Oriented to rehabilitation facilities that are interested in maintaining and expanding their markets, this pamphlet presents publication excerpts that provide an understanding of the impact of organizational quality. The excerpts emphasize development of quality products and services through motivation of staff, effective communication, use of…

The paper presents a model which has provided extensive or partial services for 147 persons with severe and complex disabilities. The model, "Supported Independence Using Individualized Dollars" (dollars allocated to a specific client), emerged when the Calgary Association for Independent Living, a small self-help group of disabled…

The participant's manual contains training materials for a 3-day national conference on strengthening board leadership in agencies concerned with independent living for people with disabilities. Preliminary materials include the conference agenda, background information about the trainers, and organizational information on Independent Living…

A series of individual and small-group interviews on self determination for individuals with disabilities was conducted as part of the Vermont Self-Determination Project, a 3-year project to implement a statewide system change designed to allow people with developmental disabilities to have control and choice in their lives. The interviews were…

This report is part of a series of reports designed to document innovative daytime and supported living practices. It is based on a site visit to Katahdin Friends, Inc. (KFI) in March 1998. Since the mid-1980s, KFI, located in Millinocket, Maine, has transformed its supports for people with developmental disabilities from those that promote…

To illustrate the principles and conflicts inherent in ensuring the self-determination of individuals with disabilities, this paper discusses the challenges faced by the parents of Shari, an adult with developmental disabilities. Throughout Sheri's 30 years, her parents have sought to create the kind of supports and opportunities that will put…

The Lifestyle Satisfaction Scale (LSS) has been found among American samples to be influenced by types of accommodation (representing variations in level of lifestyle restriction). This study of 46 adults with mental retardation in Australia supported the discriminate validity of the LSS, and identified ways in which location and other factors…

This study of 42 Indian teachers of students with mental retardation investigated the effectiveness of using a functional assessment checklist for programming in teaching independent living skills. The teachers found the checklist reduced problems in maintaining individualized education programs, was suitable for all levels, and was easy to use.…

Difficulties in using the double-blind method of evaluation with use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields led to an open evaluation with 96 patients with musculoskeletal diseases, neurological disorders, circulatory diseases, or gastroenterological diseases. This paper reports the impact of use on dependency, pain, and patient satisfaction. (DB)

Adults with mild and moderate levels of retardation (20 living in institutions and 20 in the community) answered simulated job interview questions. The community group produced a greater number of appropriate answers to both simple and complex questions than did the institutional group. (Author/JDD)

Examines whether some of the most common assessment tools used in foster care programs are capable of identifying young peoples' competencies, strengths, and weakness. Describes the limited role assessment presently plays in foster care and its potential as a policy tool to promote accountability and interest in the independent living skills of…

Discusses changes in leaving care in England and Wales, based on a survey of young people leaving the care of social service departments that examined diversity of care leavers; care careers; age at independence; living out of care; and after-care support. Summarizes key policy and practice issues, and outlines new directions for practice and…

Research findings on the status of adults with learning disabilities are reviewed and related to changing social and work environments. Findings show that learning disabilities persist into adulthood, that manifestations of learning disabilities in adulthood are different than in childhood, and that many adults with learning disabilities are not…

A meaningful classification for living, work, and education was achieved by grouping 159 persons who were blind or visually impaired into 5 groups ranging from low to high functioning, according to 7 independent living skills: family responsibility; health and hygiene; legal awareness; community awareness; money management; social/interpersonal…