Advances in technology are transforming how youth and parents interact with programs. The Strengthening 4-H Communication through Technology project was implemented in eight county 4-H programs in Northwest Minnesota. This article outlines the intentional process used to effectively implement technology in program planning. The project includes:…

One has more than language barriers and varying cultural differences to consider when staying overseas these days. In the wake of hotel terrorist bombings in countries such as Indonesia and India in the last few years, travelers need to be assured the place they call home for the duration of their stay won't result in injury or death. To reduce…

Aggressive and destructive behaviors are an ongoing challenge for many children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). What's behind these high-risk behaviors, and how can professionals help manage them? Discover the answers in this comprehensive text, the most up-to-date compendium of knowledge on…

It's true that adults learn differently than children. They have real-life experiences, strong preferences, time constraints, competing priorities, and varied objectives. But, they also share some similarities. Training the adults who work directly with children is the best way to make a positive impact on the children. In this article, the…

Results are reported for 3 years of in-service training provided to managers and direct care personnel employed in community, residential, and vocational programs for developmentally disabled adults. The data demonstrate the efficacy of the training model in that 1015 (97%) of 1080 training objectives attempted were completed by the trainees at…

This article conjectures that adults bring values, attitudes, rules, and behaviors learned in their families, though often confused with school-related problems, to their work settings. A staff development model for planned change emphasizing group processing has been developed and used successfully to rectify this situation and is described…

A research project on computer applications for special education determined the needs of caregivers (teachers or parents), clients (persons with severe learning disabilities), and staff. Results were used to develop the Living and Learning Weekend, during which caregivers were trained in the use of educational software for persons with…

A program is described in which institutional staff were successfully trained to use behavioral principles with severely retarded aggressive adults. Group training (self-care instruction, token economy, social skills and activity programing) as well as individualized training are described along with such organizational aspects as team structure…

This article presents principles for effective adult learning applicable in child care settings. These principles include the need for motivation to learn, the view that learning is an active process, the benefits from guidance, the importance of appropriate materials and activities for sequential learning, the need for reinforcement and varied…

A model of ongoing consultation was effectively implemented in a community group home for eight adults with severe and profound mental retardation. Two consultants taught staff members to use a token reinforcement system, engage clients in a variety of activities, and improve staff interactions with clients. (Author/DB)

Designed for individuals interested in implementing career development programs for disabled adults, this report presents information on the Lifelong Career Development (LCD) project and its potential for implementation in the community college. Chapter 1 examines lifelong learning and the career development needs of disabled individuals, presents…

The paper presents a case study illustrating approaches used to teach the facilitators of a 27-year-old woman with severe cognitive disabilities. Facilitator instruction involved a general inservice, participation in the assessment and goal setting process, individual instruction in interaction strategies, and followup instruction to review goals…

This paper describes the Deaf Employment Task Force established at a Fortune 500 corporation in Southern California and proposes a model for developing such a task force at other corporations. The task force consisted of an average of 15 managerial and professional individuals, representatives of a deaf employee support group, and a deaf…

Describes the Job Placement Training Program, a training program run by Southern Illinois University that is designed to teach rehabilitation counselors and placement specialists employed by state rehabilitation agencies the knowledge, techniques, and strategies necessary to help rehabilitation clients obtain employment. The program's curriculum…

This article describes Options for Justice, an agency that provides education and training to professionals and direct services to offenders with developmental disabilities. Recommendations for developing and implementing similar programs are offered. Areas addressed include assessing need, funding, selection of program services, staffing, the…