Stephanie Enyart reflects on few key aspects of what the blind and low vision community has gained because of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Although it is true that blind people received individual accommodations before the legal requirements arose, the ADA created a duty to accommodate in many new instances and on a broader range of…

In this article, Amy Boelé presents a conceptualization of community that challenges the goal of independence as an ultimate ideal. Building on in situ tensions within independence ideologies, she illustrates the contradictions that exist when the approach to achieving community access for individuals with developmental disabilities requires full…

Data from previous studies are presented that demonstrate that community living for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has improved in recent years, but that living in one's own home by these individuals is still a very rare outcome. Literature is presented that explains how living arrangements for adults with IDD have…

The National Council on Disability (NCD) recognizes that technology is essential to the full realization of citizenship for people with disabilities. Yet society has not evolved to the point where this population uses technology to the extent needed to enjoy the rights of full citizenship, as recognized by the Constitution. As technology continues…

Disability-related legislation offers two different support systems for youth with disabilities: one of entitlement to services and one of eligibility for resources. This article offers guidance for individuals with disabilities, and the families and service providers who support them, as they prepare to navigate the transition between support…

Involvement in extracurricular activities provides youth with opportunities to develop important personal skills, abilities, and preferences, and to build meaningful social support networks. Historically, students who are deaf or hard of hearing (SDHH) have had limited access to opportunities for both academic and occupational development,…

The aim of this study is to report employment and independent living outcomes of 125 graduates from the Taft College Transition to Independent Living (TIL) program. The TIL program has served students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, since 1995. The TIL program follows graduates from the time of…

Numerous studies show that employment, community participation, and postsecondary training rates of students with severe disabilities after leaving high school are the lowest of all disability categories and compare unfavorably to those of their peers without disabilities. In addition, outcomes generally do not improve as these students age. Certo…

Have parents ever thought about the future of their child with special needs? What happens after they graduate from or ages out of the school system? In this article, the author discusses employment. She feels the best time to start planning and preparing is while the child is still in junior high school. She offers some suggestions that may help…

Reviews the independent living movement from its inception after World War II. Discusses current issues pertinent to rural independent living, funding sources, the role of research and training centers, and the outlook on crucial independent living issues for the 1990s. Emphasizes the concept of "consumer control" (participative decision…

Interviews with three people who use wheelchairs (aged 10, 41, and 72) revealed they were not well informed about Americans with Disabilities Act standards and their civil rights; they were knowledgeable about architectural accessibility. The perceptions and experiences of these different age groups can help occupational therapists provide…

This paper describes the Disability Rights and Independent Living movements, and advocates for increased awareness and leadership. The Independent Living Movement started at the University of California in the 1960s when a group of severely disabled students organized a place where they could live independently. Despite their education and…

This directory lists all projects funded by the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) during the 1999 fiscal year. It includes summaries, funding data, and contact information for a broad range of programs. Programs are grouped into the following research priorities: (1) employment outcomes; (2) health and function;…

This annual report describes activities under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended) from October 1, 1989, through September 30, 1990. The report presents activities by each section under General Provisions and by each of seven Titles. An executive summary highlights specific activities. These include; continuation of Rehabilitation Services…

This manual is designed to provide resource managers, advocates, and social service personnel with information about the integration of community services for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The materials encompass the values of independence, productivity, and integration in the delivery of resources and services to persons with TBI.…