This newsletter issue focuses on how consumers with disabilities find and access information. The importance of dissemination of research findings to consumers is stressed in a statement by John D. Westbrook, Director of the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR). The first article suggests that often research results…

This report provides updated information on how transition policies for New York students with disabilities are being implemented in Buffalo, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers. It summarizes the findings about former students' post-school employment, postsecondary education, and community living status, and identifies the program…

This paper discusses the genius of the principle of normalization in the development of better services for socially devalued people. It argues that the definition of normalization sets a direction for learning-through-action which is clear and convincing, as well as indefinite and conditional, and rests on a deep appreciation of the everyday…

This article discusses how the intentions of the Norwegian commitment to create a "non-institutional society" with people with developmental disabilities living as fellow citizens is reflected in everyday life and support practices. The passage of the Norwegian Reform Act that required the end of institutional care is recounted.…

Reviews current career counseling efforts to assist special education students in successfully making transition to employment and independent living. Presents life-centered career education curricular approach to prepare students with competencies needed for successful adult adjustment. Presents challenge to profession to complete unfinished…

This position statement of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities addresses the importance of equal opportunities for adolescents and young adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities and the need to support the independent functioning of these individuals. Specific…

A speech presented to Navajo high school seniors on the eve of graduation challenges students to take advantage of educational opportunities, to set goals, and to continually strive to achieve their plans. Discusses the speaker's own experiences as a disabled Native American pursuing a career in computers and achieving independence. (LP)

Introduces articles presenting a cross section of current research activity on preparing foster youth for adulthood. Suggests it is vital to develop a knowledge-building agenda; that research efforts be prospective and programmatic rather than ex post facto, occasional, or sporadic; and that attention be directed toward testing and evaluating…

Summarizes findings from the National Evaluation of Title IV-E Independent Living Programs for Youth in Foster Care. With respect to education completion, young parenthood, and use of public assistance, discharged foster care youth more closely resemble 18- to 24-year-olds living below the poverty level than 18- to 24-year-olds in the general…

Compared 63 non-foster care adolescents with 42 placed in kinship care and 69 in non-relative foster family care in their readiness for independent living. Found no significant differences in perceptions of independent living skills and preparation for independent living. Foster care adolescents, however, were more likely to worry about their…

A survey of 150 elderly people with disabilities in Hong Kong found that a high proportion was living alone in the community with only minimal networks for emotional support. Effective measures to promote family care of disabled elderly people and approaches to integrating the formal and informal care sectors are discussed. (DB)

Diabetes educators have a dual role--to prevent eye disease and to help people with diabetes who are visually impaired achieve and maintain their desired level of independence. Familiarity with the range of adaptive equipment available and utilization of the professional association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, can assist in…

A study was done to identify the level of independent travel considered ideal by three older adults with visual impairments. Results found that the ideal level of functioning is different from that implicitly used in traditional orientation and mobility programs. (CR)

In an effort to examine the transition status of Apache Native American school leavers, a 38-item survey collected information from 48 former students with and without learning disabilities. Results indicated the students with learning disabilities had higher rates of unemployment and substance abuse and were less likely to live independently or…

Curriculum planning for the intellectually disabled must be forward looking, giving due consideration to the students' current and future needs, sensitive to the environments in which the individuals will ultimately be expected to adapt and function after leaving school. In this survey, the emphasis is seeking the teachers' perceptions on what…