The failure of institutions to meet the needs of the severely disabled is pointed out, and an alternative to the traditional institution (the Letchworth Developmental Center, New York) is described. (SBH)

A survey of observed sexual behavior in an integrated unit of 30 severely retarded people aged 10 to 33 years showed that most behavior could be described as "appropriate." (Author)

Patterns of verbal interaction between staff and 29 residents (8-32 years old) in a training center for young mentally retarded persons were examined. Conversation type initiations from staff elicited more verbal responses from residents than other types of verbal stimuli. (Author)

Behaviors exhibited by five institutionalized severely retarded adults were formally observed while they were on and off medication. (Author/SBH)

This article describes the author's experience in employing the fishbowl technique in group therapy with inmates at El Reno Federal Reformatory. Results indicate that this technique can be employed successfully in a correctional environment. (Author/HMV)

This paper reflects on comments made by Samuel Gridley Howe in the 19th century and their continuing relevance to the state of institutionalization of individuals with mental retardation. The paper also cites Burton Blatt in his argument in favor of deinstitutionalization with all possible haste despite the inevitable challenges this will pose to…

Provides a list of traditional and nontraditional services and programs offered by Illinois public libraries to special populations, including educationally, culturally, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups; ethnic minority groups; illiterates; the elderly; visually impaired; hearing impaired; emotionally disabled; and residents of state,…

The Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior was factor analyzed in 2 institutional samples and 1 community sample of persons with mental retardation (total n=353). Factor analysis revealed no strong justification for the instrument's seven scales. An alternative three-factor solution, comprising intrapersonal maladaptive behavior, psychotic…

An investigation was conducted in Australia of 156 individuals with developmental disabilities who were long-term clients of a residential institution, to determine the incidence of hepatitis C antibodies. Results indicated that none of the residents was seropositive and that hepatitis C is less prevalent than hepatitis B in residential…

Institutionalized patients with Down syndrome (N=307) were monitored for 5 to 10 years to determine prevalence of Alzheimer-type dementia. Prevalence increased from 11% between ages 40 and 49 to 77% between 60 and 69. All patients 70 and over had dementia. Mean age of onset of dementia was 56 years. Neuropathological findings were consistent with…

In a survey of 120 inpatients admitted to a United Kingdom acute psychiatric ward, 46% reported a history of childhood sexual abuse. Only 14%, however, had disclosed the abuse previously to psychiatrists. The patterns of abuse were found to correspond with those causing problems with adjustment in adult life. (CR)