This study examines differences in domains of quality of life (satisfaction; choice and control; dignity, respect, and rights; inclusion; physical setting; family satisfaction) among people with intellectual disability and varying levels of support needs in a variety of residence types. The sample includes 2,639 people with intellectual disability…

A curriculum development model was formulated for training resident advisors (RAs) to work with developmentally disabled clients in small community homes. Overall findings suggested that the alternative living arrangement pilot training programs were highly effective in helping students acquire the knowledge and skills requisite to successful RA…

The Teaching Family Model (TFM) of delinquency treatment has evolved into a national network of community-based behaviorally oriented group homes. A longitudinal summative evaluation of TFM homes and comparison groups from the same or neighboring communities was mounted, and the results of a five year cost-effectiveness study are presented.…

This examination of the successful community placement of 15 medically fragile individuals with profound mental retardation and complex epilepsy found that simplification of anticonvulsants, early intervention for seizures, and improved staff education resulted in fewer seizures, decreases in emergency room visits for status seizures and…

Draws together the results of seven studies that investigated factors influencing the effects of service quality in community-based residential services for people with severe mental retardation. Results found that quality of staff and resident activity is dependent on an interaction between the structure, orientation, and procedures followed…

Many communities have turned to group homes and residential treatment centers to serve children and adolescents displaying behavioral and/or emotional problems, because most foster parents are not able to deal with such children, and the expense of psychiatric hospitalization is prohibitive. One alternative which has been used very sparingly is…

Responds to a critique of "The Small ICF/MR Program: Dimensions of Quality and Cost" (Conroy), that questioned the research design of the study. It emphasizes the significantly higher quality of life ratings for community living arrangements in opportunities for choice-making, integration, individualization, and other measures. (CR)

This study of 32 adults with mental retardation found substantial differences in the types of environmental support provided in group homes after transfer from large state institutions. Differences in community adjustment occurred for residents placed in group homes with significantly different functional features. Several factors interacted to…

This document is a transcript of hearings conducted in Hartford, Connecticut, before the United States Senate Subcommittee on the Handicapped on the effects of deinstitutionalization of the mentally retarded. The bulk of the testimony was given by Connecticut officials and leaders in the mental health field. They presented evidence and case…

Criticizes the research design in "The Small ICF/MR program: Dimensions of Quality and Cost" (Conroy), that found small Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) for individuals with mental retardation are inferior to other community programs. Discusses the problem in selecting a control group on the basis of pretest matching. (CR)

Comments on "The Small ICF/MR Program: Dimensions of Quality and Cost" (Conroy), that found small Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) for individuals with mental retardation are inferior to other community programs. Acknowledges that while some research problems exist, no important evidence against the findings has been provided. (CR)

This paper presents an example of "optimistic research," a qualitative approach which focuses on positive interventions helpful to practitioners, in this case an examination of programs successfully integrating people with severe disabilities. The study evaluated 40 programs through site visits which focus on observation, interviews, and…

An 8-year follow-up study in New South Wales, Australia, examined changes in adaptive and maladaptive behavior following relocation of 10 individuals with severe or profound intellectual disabilities from a large residential setting to smaller community-based facilities. The study found no discernible changes in adaptive behavior and substantial…