The article questions the loss model used to explain a lack of motivation in visually impaired clients. An alternative model proposes that self-efficacy is the primary factor in adjustment, suggesting that early skill-oriented intervention can prevent loss of competence and foster a sense of personal control essential for successful…

One principle of applied research is to design intervention programs targeted to teach useful skills to the participants (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968), while structuring the program to promote generalization of the skills to the natural environment (Stokes & Baer, 1977). Proficiency in community skills (e.g., community navigation and…

Purpose: We examine 6-month effects of the Environmental Skill-Building Program on caregiver well-being and care recipient functioning and whether effects vary by caregiver gender, race (White or non-White), and relationship (spouse or nonspouse). Design and Methods: We enrolled 255 family caregivers of community-residing persons with Alzheimer's…

Home health care patients often have several late-life risk factors for suicide and constitute a high risk group for suicidal behaviors. In this study, we examined the characteristics of 14 older adult home health care utilizers who died by suicide and four community controls who used similar services. Both groups of home health care utilizers had…

Some students need help in solving their daily challenges. The program described here teaches students to function more efficiently in the school environment and the community. Various strategies provide students with alternatives to suspension/expulsion, and encourage parental and community involvement with "at-risk" youth. The program…

Examined are the implications of independent ambulation for severely retarded children and reviewed is the literature describing behavioral interventions which facilitate walking. (Author)

A survey of 122 social work professionals from Austria, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Switzerland identified practical issues related to the everyday functioning and social integration of disabled and elderly persons. Respondents expressed the desire for more effective teaching materials to communicate client needs to the able-bodied. (JW)

Suggests the possible components of a model comprehensive vocational and career readiness program for correctional institutions. The components address areas related to (1) social skills, (2) job acquisition skills, (3) work performance skills, and (4) basic day-to-day "survival" skills. (Author/CH)

Addresses the problems of child survival and development in developing countries by discussing the biomedical causes and the concomitant social determinants of high infant mortality rates. Describes four intervention strategies recommended by UNICEF: growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breast feeding, and immunization. (HOD)

Examines the current child welfare policy and practice in Canada with regard to homeless youths, especially those age 16 and older, and profiles a long-term residential program for homeless youths. Implications and recommendations for child welfare are discussed. (MDM)

Aims were to identify the demographic, psychopathology, and psychosocial factors predicting time to major depressive disorder (MDD) recovery and moderators of treatment among 114 depressed adolescents recruited from a juvenile justice center and randomized to a cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) condition or a life skills-tutoring control…

There is a widespread problem with schools having the ability to turn out young people equipped with skills needed to properly function in society. This report describes a program for increasing skills necessary for learning and for living such as cooperation, perseverance, problem solving, and friendship. The targeted population was elementary…

A coat was adapted for a 20-year-old severely handicapped woman to control her practice of "mouthing" her hands and clothing. Velcro strips attached to the coat held the student's arms down long enough to allow for differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior, which successfully reduced the rate of mouthing. (JDD)

Six common barriers to the establishment of a community based educational model for moderately and severely handicapped students are identified, and solutions are recommended. The barriers are (1) limited staff, (2) transportation, (3) scheduling, (4) cost, (5) negative reaction to curriculum emphasis change, and (6) applicability to multiply…

The concept of health is defined as the state of body and mind which affords the individual the ability to strive toward his/her functional objectives and his/her culturally desired goals. The role of health education should be to impart knowledge which will assist individuals in making personal choices about lifestyles, values, and goals. (JN)