Delineates model of supervision for consultation training. Describes trainee characteristics and supervision needs across three levels of development, culminating in integrated level with developed skills across eight domains of consultation activity. Tracks development other-awareness, motivation, and autonomy. Presents suggestions for…

A study evaluated the utility of a five-minute stimulus preference assessment for 20 individuals with developmental disabilities. The brief assessment identified stimuli that functioned as reinforcers for a simple operant response and identified preferred stimuli that were differentially effective as reinforcers. This assessment was associated…

Argues that for children to develop autonomy they must be socialized into the values of the adult community but then exposed to those of other communities. Proposes that school choice plays a role in the first, but that other actions must be taken to ensure the second. (DSK)

Studies on resilient youth have yielded some intriguing patterns. This article surveys the findings and discusses how professionals can benefit from lessons offered by the findings. (Author/MKA)

Discusses the need for theory in the field of distance education, reviews several traditional theoretical approaches, and describes a new theory called Equivalency Theory that incorporates telecommunications. Compares theories of independence and autonomy, industrialization of teaching, and interaction and communication. (LRW)

Traces the history of civil rights, disability rights, and self advocacy of people with developmental disabilities and autism. The need for future self-determination efforts to develop effective leadership from the ranks of self-advocates and for the accentuation of the positives of having a disability is discussed. (Author/CR)

Chronicles the development of a troubled child who was removed at the age of 8 from his parents. In time, after a long history of serious problems, he was able to achieve success. This account suggests that continuity of support and the passage of time can enable many youth with serious challenges to develop resilience and responsible…

Describes a method of modifying a spelling curriculum to meet the academic needs of gifted learners. Word Class combines a self-selected approach to spelling instruction with thinking skills and enables gifted learners to make choices about their learning as they engage in creative, high-level thinking. (Author/CR)

Discusses the connection between creativity in the arts and competitions, and shares a sampling of competitions that might entice secondary students to maximize their creative abilities. The benefits of competitions are described; they include the opportunity for students to enhance self-directed learning skills and their sense of autonomy. (CR)

A study evaluated an off-site/on-site program for reducing job coach assistance provided for three adults with severe multiple disabilities in a part-time community job. On-the-job assistance was reduced, while the individuals received more traditional day services when not at work. No adverse effects on productivity were observed. (Contains…

In this study, a prototype web browser, called Web Trek, that utilizes multimedia to provide access for individuals with cognitive disabilities was developed and pilot-tested with 12 adults with mental retardation. The Web Trek browser provided greater independence in accessing the Internet compared to Internet Explorer. (Contains references.)…

In the last decade, consensus around equality and efficiency in New Zealand adult education shifted to a focus on autonomy and accountability, economic rationalism, and vocational skills. Adult educators seeking change should emphasize participative democracy, connectedness, and valuing and advancing groups with diverse identities and interests.…

A sequence of choice levels was implemented using constant time delay to teach choice making to five children with severe intellectual disabilities. Evaluation indicated that both the specific sequence of choice levels and constant time delay were effective in teaching these students to make choices. It also found that individual preferences…

Provides an overview of the life of Mary Wright Plummer, a leader in American librarianship, and her effort to construct a personal identity as an independent woman. Highlights include her Quaker childhood; European travels; self-actualization and career strategies; and blending public and private spheres. (Contains 101 references.) (LRW)

Explains why early interactions are so vital in teaching young children about themselves, their world, and success. Explores the function of internal and external motivation to development, and the importance of positive feedback to development of children's trust and self-confidence. (HTH)