This study evaluated the sign language skills of 17 adults with mental retardation living in community settings and their habilitation instructors. Results showed staff's sign language competence was only slightly better than that of the residents and was used minimally in interactions with the residents. (Author/DB)

PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) was applied to a federal project developing curriculum materials for the mentally retarded. A 34-step process lattice and PERT chart were useful for long-range planning, supervising the activity, providing accountability, and training new staff members. (Author/DB)

The curriculum guide is intended for those who live and work with mentally retarded adults and for mentally retarded adults attempting to succeed in community living. The first section focuses on training staff and provides guidelines for describing the content and methods employed in the curriculum. Research on such issues as self-concept, sex…

This paper is intended to assist people who work with persons having mental retardation to better understand what life is like for these individuals. The recommended training program is based on a case study approach, with guided experiences in small study groups led by trained leaders. Principles of training for group leaders are identified,…

Ten staff members of residential facilities for individuals with mental retardation were trained in self-monitoring procedures, to increase staff on-task behavior and adherence to scheduled activities. Increases in both on-schedule and on-task behavior resulted, and generalization to evening hours occurred. Supervisor feedback was subsequently…

This paper examines relationships and interactions among the consumer (with a developmental disability), his or her family, and agency staff as they impact the consumer's life course and lifestyle. Approaches and activities to enhance effective relationships include setting policies that support these relationships, training staff with this…

This manual provides instructional activities for teachers/trainers to use for in-service training of persons who work with mentally retarded, learning disabled, and handicapped clients. The first part of the booklet contains standard learning activities, such as open discussion, games, modeling, role-playing, and debates. The rest of the booklet…

A revised system was developed for documenting the rights restrictions of persons with mental retardation at a state residential facility. The system included a new form, response effort reduction, inservice training for staff, and staff feedback. Results showed an immediate and sustained reduction in documentation errors of 96 direct-care and…

This manual provides additional instructional activities for teachers/trainers to use for in-service training of persons who work with mentally retarded, learning disabled, and handicapped clients. The first part of the booklet discusses standard learning activities, such as open discussion, games, modeling, role-playing, and debates. The rest of…

This examination of individual transition plans (ITPs) for students with disabilities in New South Wales, Australia, looked at effectiveness of the system and procedures, and involvement of teachers in the development of the ITPs. It found that the numbers of written ITPs grew from 156 (56 percent of potential) in 1989 to 340 (74 percent) by June…

These three documents (a curriculum guide and two learning guides) are designed for use in police academies in Texas for advanced officer training. The curriculum guide provides a comprehensive training program designed to give police officers a working knowledge and understanding of how to interact while in the line of duty with persons who have…

Summaries are provided of 37 projects that address the credit education and information needs of consumers. The projects are supported by AT&T Universal Card Services Corp. through a fund managed by the National Coalition for Consumer Education. Each summary provides a project description, grant recipient, and address/telephone number. The…

This newsletter theme issue features articles on training of direct service staff working with persons with developmental disabilities in employment, education, and residential settings. The articles examine job training, delivery systems, training models, and implications of current approaches. The newsletter includes three articles presenting…