The aim of this research was to examine the levels of burnout syndrome dimensions in special education teachers and correlations with some socio-demographic characteristics, job characteristics, and levels of assertiveness. The research included 225 special education teachers from Serbia (82% were women, 18% were men, with the average age of…

This feature issue newsletter looks at issues the self-advocacy movement is raising and the contributions it is making to the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Articles by self-advocates and advisors to self-advocacy organizations talk about their self-advocacy experiences, barriers to self-advocacy, and ways to support it. Primary…

A man with a developmental disability discusses the self-advocacy movement, the cruelty of stigmatizing labels such as "mentally retarded," and the need for greater involvement in professional organizations such as the American Association on Mental Retardation. He proposes a joint conference with a self-advocacy organization. (DB)

This study used surveys, interactive focus groups, and telephone interviews to explore the concept of advocacy and advocacy activities experienced by 32 parents and 11 individuals with developmental disabilities. Advocacy activities and supports (such as communication skills and networking) and barriers to successful advocacy (such as costs and…

A woman with a developmental disability discusses self-advocacy, the need for self-advocates to be involved in professional organizations, and the need for professionals and society at large to be more inclusive in their attitudes and behaviors. (DB)

An individual with a developmental disability discusses self-advocacy, involvement with the American Association on Mental Retardation, dislike of the term "mental retardation," the need for such organizations to work more closely with people who have disabilities, and the need for such organizations and society at large to be more…

This monograph describes projects of the Minnesota Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities which focus on empowerment and self-advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their family members. Individual sections address: (1) Partners in Policymaking (an intensive course to train individuals with disabilities and family…

Responses to interview questions regarding self-determination opportunities, outcomes, and importance were compared across 21 adults with developmental disabilities and 20 advocates. Self-determination skills in the areas of problem solving, assertiveness, decision making, and goal setting were also addressed. Areas of agreement and disagreement…

This study characterized individual advocacy performance differences of 3 individuals with developmental disabilities and 21 parents before and after participating in training programs called Partners in Policymaking. A three group taxonomy of advocate development (beginner, involved, and activist) is suggested. (DB)

This report provides a record of discussion during a workshop entitled "Assisting People with Developmental Disabilities To Speak Effectively for Themselves." Participants included developmentally disabled individuals, leaders from self-advocacy groups, paid staff, and volunteers. The discussion addressed three questions: (1) what works…

This packet contains information and materials for conducting a training workshop for working with adults who are developmentally disabled. The materials are specifically designed to train volunteer teachers in the College for Living (CFL) program, which supplements residential programs in and around Denver and aids institutions in orienting…