In 1974 American institutions of social service--i.e. nonprofit agencies whose purposes are to assist groups and individuals to maintain or advance themselves in the social order--are in the midst of a crisis of confidence. As a social order, Americans are least effective in delivering social service to those who are impoverished, of color,…

A summary of 18 months' investigation into the potential uses of telecommunications in the public interest is presented. Areas investigated include public TV and radio, cable TV, television translaters, instructional fixed television service, satellite communications and interconnections. Public hearings were held in eight cities and more than 100…

A survey of 9 machine-readable data base processing centers was carried out under a National Science Foundation grant by the Northeast Academic Science Information Center. The basic issues considered were: the appropriate role of the library in the processing of computer-based searches; the effect of this form of bibliographic access on…

The study was conducted to determine the feasibility and value of using broadband communications (transmission of many television, voice and/or data signals through a single system) to provide public services for rural areas. Applications of broadband communications to rural areas were divided into public services (health, education, law…

Utilizing ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), DAI (Dissertation Abstracts International), and APA (American Psychological Association) computer search resources and library resources in Tennessee, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada, this bibliography contains 259 citations pertaining to Ojibwa (Chippewa) and other Native Americans.…

The culmination of a 1975-76 Washington project aimed at providing American Indians with a model business management training program (post secondary level), this report includes: (1) an overview of the project's purpose/approach (development of a training program to provide interface between the socioeconomic phenomena of the Indian Community and…

Describes the implementation of a telefacsimile plan used for interlibrary loan messaging and document delivery, and evaluates the system in terms of volume and quality of transmissions, turnaround time, costs and human resources, and equipment operation. The benefits and potential of telefacsimile for interlibrary loans are summarized.…

The study examined the relationship between service utilization and characteristics of older parents and other caregivers, their dependents with mental retardation, and their ability to provide care. Caregivers' assessment of current ability to provide care was significantly related to amount of service use, but caregiver and dependent…

State applications for the Part H program of Public Law 99-457 were classified by type of lead agency and by level of previous early intervention activities. Two variables were then analyzed: required components emphasized during initial year activities, and allocation of funds for administration, interagency coordinating council, planning, and…

Results of survey of high technology educational delivery systems in nine two-year colleges (five in the United States and four in Canada) emphasize the use of computers to provide alternatives to traditional classroom teaching. Topics discussed include open education, self-paced (fleximode) learning, artificial intelligence, software, and…

Program design, implementation, and public policy issues are discussed for five urban community-based programs for the developmentally disabled: (1) direct services in intermediate care facilities; (2) a High Risk Infant project; (3) group home consultative services; (4) training for support services to adoptive families; (5) a national…

A model of service delivery to rural handicapped children trains classroom teachers onsite to be "Cooperative Extension Service Agents" within their schools. University faculty bring graduate coursework to the school site and "Agent" teachers provide special education inservice assistance to fellow teachers, facilitating local…

Describes Southtek, a group of 14 colleges and 14 companies which have formed partnerships with local education authorities to produce effective vocational distance training materials. Topics discussed include the need that precipitated Southtek, its material development and testing methods, and its network of support centers for local users and…

The articles in this issue of "Focal Point" focus on the Research and Training Center's current work, which reflects the evolution of expectations for partnering with youth and families. Partnering successfully requires not only a philosophical commitment to the value, but also intentional, specific steps to redesign services and reallocate…

Drawing on the experience of Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, this document identifies effective adult education policies and practices. The following are among the topics discussed: (1) issues in adult learning and why adult learning is important; (2) patterns of participation and…