Aphasia recovery after stroke has been the subject of several studies, but in none the deficits on the various linguistic levels were examined, even though in the diagnosis and treatment of aphasia the emphasis lays more and more on these linguistic level disorders. In this observational prospective follow-up study, we explored whether it is…

The objective of the study was to assess the impact of low-vision aids on quality of life. Interviews included a modified version of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (Modified German NEI VFQ-25), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination Blind, and Indicators of the Rehabilitation…

Recent studies have examined the effectiveness of hand rehabilitation programmes and have linked the outcomes to the concept of ICF but not to specific ICF category codes. The objective of this study was to gain experience using ICF concepts to describe occupational therapy interventions during postsurgery hand rehabilitation, and to describe…

The objective of this study was to examine recruitment in three observational follow-up studies of patients with stroke, focusing on reasons for nonparticipation and the role of potential factors in explaining recruitment rates. It comprised secondary analysis of the three studies. Recruitment rates varied between the studies. Between 10 and 50%…

Hearing loss may lead to major changes in the social and emotional aspects of daily life. This follow-up study investigated the effect of hearing-aid use on emotional experience in adults with hearing impairment. Thirteen individuals with impaired hearing were tested before and after 6 months of hearing-aid use, and were compared with 19…

The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO-DAS II) is a non-disease-specific International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health-based disability assessment instrument developed to measure activity limitations and restrictions to participation. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate WHO-DAS II…

Results of a project to diagnose children with perceptual difficulties in an expanded four-year check and to avert learning difficulties through preschool follow-up activities are described. (CL)

Correlational analysis was undertaken between occupational success and 46 visual, biographical, psychological, and educational parameters in 169 visually handicapped Ss. Small but statistically significant correlations were obtained for sex and the academic qualifications, one measure of distance visual acuity, and attitudes to visual impairment…

Post-school adjustment of 382 former pupils of special schools for mildly retarded children in Ireland was examined through analysis of school records and structured interviews. Approximately 75 percent were employed, with the majority in open employment (primarily unskilled jobs), earning wages sufficient for financial independence. (CL)

The followup study of approximately 150 adolescent rural German learning disabled girls, who left before completing a special vocational training course, yielded findings such as that few school leavers obtained jobs or training, and that vocational interest and motivation were above average but mitigated by a tendency to quick resignation.…

Fifteen families seeking family counseling after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) were monitored over a two-year period. Findings indicated decreased distress for both individuals with TBI and their caretakers, reduced burdens carried by family members, reduced conflict, and increased family cohesion and adjustment. However, reported anger levels,…

Analysis of 1-year follow-up data of 45 young adults with mental retardation, from diverse cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, indicated that 71 percent were employed during the first 9 months posttraining, with approximately 30 percent of the trainees working for 6 months or more. Overall, 75 percent of the trainees' placements were in…

A follow-up study of 73 former special school students in New South Wales, Australia, found that 42 percent were in open employment. Those with moderate or severe intellectual disabilities were generally at sheltered workshops, activity centers, or home. Approximately 54 percent lived with their parents, and 69 percent reported a few close…

Briefly described is Project Impact, a British project which (1) developed and evaluated a modular diploma for teachers of students with special educational needs; (2) developed and evaluated short courses on special educational needs; and (3) conducted a follow-up study of a course on behavioral methods of teaching students with severe learning…

A follow-up study was conducted of 87 former residents of a British school for maladjusted students. The study showed that those students who were not rejected by the therapeutic community and who received the support of parents and others were likely to be effective in adjusting to life outside the therapeutic community. (JDD)