Thirty-seven parents of developmentally handicapped children were surveyed concerning the effects of computerization on service delivery in a Parent Outreach Program. Most parents felt they were more able to see their children's progress over time and to select appropriate goals but did not report improvements in service quality. (Author/JDD)

This program, based on the Portage Project, serves 169 urban families with developmentally delayed children ages 0-6. In weekly visits, a specialist teaches parents to work with their children. Results indicate improvement in both children and parents. (SJL)

The manual discusses home based approaches to support families of developmentally disabled children. The first section presents in question and answer format the rationale for such support services. Succeeding sections address the following aspects: respite care, sitter/companion services; parent counseling, education, and training; in home…

Respite care provides relief or backup emergency care for families of individuals who are developmentally disabled. In sparsely populated rural areas, center-based urban models for service delivery and provider recruitment and training may be inappropriate. Las Cumbres Learning Services has developed a model for provision of respite care services…

This paper presents three case studies describing the experiences of rural families receiving early intervention (EI) services for a developmentally disabled infant/toddler. Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (1997 amendments) provides funds for home-based, family-centered, transdisciplinary EI services. The case…

The findings of a 1978 project of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council on the need for respite care services and the various models for delivery of respite care are reported. Methodology included review of respite care regulations in 12 states, site visits and a survey of Massachusetts programs, and a survey of 339 families with…

Special Training for Exceptional People (STEP) is a private, nonprofit agency serving children with developmental disabilities (0-22 years) and their families in the south-central section of Montana, encompassing Billings and a Crow Indian Reservation. One of the services provided by STEP is specialized family care, to prevent placement out of…