The article describes a program model for meeting the needs of a widely diverse range of clients using nonaversive strategies to deal with severe behavior problems in community environments. Data from two years of implementation and follow-up designed to evaluate the program are also presented which support the effectiveness of the model.…

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…

This critical analysis of least restrictive environment (LRE) for the developmentally disabled reviews the origins and operationalization of LRE in terms of a continuum of residential, educational, and vocational services. Pitfalls in LRE, especially for severely disabled persons, are enumerated and commitment to the contrasting principle of…

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)

A three-step assessment and quantification procedure is described that determines the goodness-of-fit (congruence) between a person's behavioral capabilities and setting-specific performance requirements. Concurrent validity and correlational data are presented, as well as potential uses of the Goodness-of-Fit Index (GOFI) procedure. (Author/JW)

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…

Outcome indices were compared across groups of individuals with mental retardation who either remained in institutional settings or transferred from an institutional setting to various community living arrangements. The community group exceeded or matched institution groups with respect to service hours, community integration, and adaptive…

The objective template matching procedures of D. J. Bem were evaluated with 14 group homes for the developmentally disabled. Placement requirements were described in terms of minimum adaptive behaviors required, maximum maladaptive behavior tolerated, and required level of supervision. Environmental templates were developed and matched with client…