This paper illustrates the positivistic nature of person-centered planning (PCP) that is evident in the planning methods employed, the way that individuals with disabilities are described, and in portrayal of the outcomes of PCP. However, a confluence of factors can lead to manifestation of excessive positivism that does not serve PCP…

This guide is designed to help parents make important decisions in the development of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), which outlines the partnership between the family with a special needs child and the practitioners who provide early intervention services. The guide begins with a definition of an IFSP, followed by discussions of:…

This packet of information focuses on innovative practices related to supported living for people with disabilities. It opens with an article by John O'Brien, "Supported Living: What It's Not," which summarizes common misunderstandings of supported living. The next section describes eight innovative agencies in the area of support…

The role of three professional groups--adaptive physical educators, therapeutic recreation specialists, and special educators--in planning individualized leisure programs for disabled persons is discussed. Characteristics of such programs should take into consideration principles of normalization and least restrictive environment. A systems…

This study compared two methods for evaluating ecological and developmental factors in Individualized Family Service Plans for families of young children with disabilities. The two methods were (1) goals and objectives written from a curriculum-based assessment, and (2) a computerized list of goals and objectives based on professional judgment.…

This guide describes how to set up, implement, and evaluate an individualized leisure education program for secondary school students with disabilities. Field testing of the program found that students who participated in the program were more independent in their leisure and had a smoother post-school adjustment. After an introduction, an…

This study evaluated the extent to which individualized service plans (ISPs) for individuals with disabilities are consistent with established policies. Evaluation of 50 ISPs from Australian community residences for people with moderate to severe disabilities found major deficiencies in the plans, such as a lack of measurable objectives. (DB)

Critical elements and best practices in school-to-work transition programs for disabled youth are identified. Noted are local factors, individual student choice, shared resources, vocational rehabilitation counselors in the schools, and school-business linkages. Best practices include individualized transition planning, community-based…

This brief paper offers an inventory to help implement change strategies and achieve person-centered planning for people with severe disabilities. The inventory is intended to examine use of 12 resources that facilitate change and increase the chance of good outcomes. A visual display of the model on which the inventory is based is provided first.…

This document provides a guide to quality treatment foster care programming for children with special emotional, behavioral, medical or developmental needs. Treatment foster care meets the needs of such children and their families through implementation of home-treatment plans by foster parents who are trained, supervised, and supported by social…

Art teachers should create individualized learning programs for their students. Such art programs can assure personalized programs for disabled students and elevate the development of basic skills in art, artistic expression, and art appreciation. (Author/RM)

This paper describes Project Assist, a model for developing and implementing a flexible system of social support that can be individualized for families of infants/toddlers with disabilities. The model uses group support, individual support, and follow-up support to meet a variety of family needs and promote family adaptation. (JDD)

This guide was developed to introduce families of young children with disabilities to the early intervention system. It describes early intervention services and defines the roles and responsibilities of parents and practitioners. The guide uses a question and answer format to present information on the following topics: (1) what is early…

The Special Education Parents Alliance created an employment project seeking jobs in the business community for special education graduates and other persons with disabilities. The project serves learning disabled, educable mentally handicapped, trainable mentally handicapped, and physically disabled persons in DuPage County and portions of west…

Client orientation should be an individualized, ongoing process which provides not only information about rehabilitation programs and services but also encourages and ensures the individual's involvement and participation in his or her own program. Ten guidelines to be considered in developing client orientation programs are (1) providing…