A retrospective examination of 56 young children with severe handicaps in community residential facilities revealed that risk status, facility, and reason were significantly related to early community placement, and children with greater caretaking/medical involvement did not appear to be placed in the community earlier than other severely…

A telephone survey was conducted of eight rehabilitation organizations pursuing changeover from facility-based to community-integrated services (i.e., supported employment). This paper provides information on the experience of these organizations related to their reinvestment and agency changeover to supported employment and offers…

The study compared changes in mental retardation level among persons in community-based services and institutionalized persons from the same geographic region. In general, persons in the community were more likely to increase their functioning level, while institution Ss decreased at a higher rate. Noteworthy differences were found among severely…

The social interaction patterns of 23 adults with severe disabilities, residents of community-based programs, were analyzed across a 30-month time period. Analysis focused on number of different companions, rate of social interactions, durability of social relationships, and number of new companions met during the last year of the study.…

This literature review analyzes 47 studies and reports on the type and range of medical care, resources, and support services needed to maintain individuals with mental retardation in the community; health-related outcomes; barriers to the provision of community-based medical services; and availability and access to services. (Author/JDD)

The post release experiences of 68 mentally retarded children were interpreted in light of historical factors occurring during the period of community placement (1970 to 1985). A relationship was noted between policy development and improved experiences, especially of children with severe/profound levels of retardation. (Author/DB)

This article discusses how persons with developmental disabilities construct identities as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB), and how policymakers handle LGB issues. It discusses disabling practices and demonstrates how they can be uncovered out of and within policy. Recommendations are made for amelioration, along with suggestions for creating more…

The article reviews the rules and regulations of the United States Fair Labor Standards Act in relation to school-based vocational programs and emphasizes the payment of wages across different training and placement options. (Author/CB)

Planning and implementing successful community-based social integration experiences for infants and toddlers with multiple disabilities require consideration of such issues as the developmental needs unique to this age-group, family needs and concerns, health and safety considerations, and training needs of staff. (JDD)

This paper reviews 27 studies of parental attitudes on the deinstitutionalization of a family member with disabilities. Studies of existing institutional placements found high levels of satisfaction and opposition to deinstitutionalization, whereas studies of community placements found high levels of satisfaction with community placements and…

This paper describes guidelines issued by the U.S. departments of Education and Labor to ensure that community-based vocational education programs operate in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Federal guidelines are clarified in terms of student eligibility (especially as it relates to disabilities), documentation requirements, program…

The article presents guidelines and examples of how transdisciplinary teams can deliver services to students with severe disabilities in community environments. Recommendations are also given for scheduling and other aspects of effective teamwork between school and related services personnel. (Author/DB)

The case study describes various treatments implemented over a three-year period to reduce and eliminate multiple and severe self-injurious behaviors in a 45-year-old retarded and psychotic institutionalized man. Nonaversive intervention and community involvement was associated with positive behavior change and eventual community placement. (DB)

Individuals (n=178) in community sites involved with persons having severe disabilities were surveyed concerning attitudes toward the social acceptability of commonly used training techniques, including antecedent, consequence, and data collection techniques. Groups of respondents differentially rated the social acceptability of the techniques.…

A study investigated how positive behavior support was experienced and understood by team members (n=19) from four residential, community-based teams who achieved positive outcomes for adults with severe challenging behaviors. Findings from the study depict an overall culture of support consisting of interrelated layers of social context.…