Thirty-two eighth-and twelfth-grade daughters and their mothers were audiotaped as they discussed unresolved mother-daughter conflict themes. The purpose was to examine how maternal regulation and daughters striving for autonomy reflected in dyadic communications. Results indicated that mothers regulated conversation through questions while…

This article describes an instructional model designed to teach handicapped secondary students generic employment adaptability skills. The model includes four major components: decision making, independent performance, self-evaluation, and adjustment. (Author/DB)

In extensive interviews, an augmentative communication user with cerebral palsy (age 25) reflected on the effectiveness of devices designed for her during her school career. Among emergent themes were a disproportionate emphasis on "device usage" over "speech usage," allowing professionals to dominate the decision-making…

Used case studies from study of judicial decision making on guardianship for elderly persons to describe four decision making roles: family, attorneys, physicians, and judges. Focused on conflicting roles of guardian ad litem and interface between legal and medical standards of competency. Found societal attitudes and beliefs about aging had great…

The study compared attitudes toward independence of six disabled (all physically disabled and three with additional intellectual impairments) British adults, all of whom had lived in both institutional care and in the community. Interviewees all felt positively about the independence of community living. (Author/DB)

Counseling helped parents of a mobility-impaired 16-year-old recognize her need and struggle for independence, first indicated by her refusal to participate in the family vacation. Counseling helped both parents and the daughter to appreciate the other's viewpoints and to change the ways in which they dealt with family problems and communication.…

Suggestions are offered for formulating a classroom management system where students develop social and psychological strengths, responsibilities, and independence in a positive classroom atmosphere. In this classroom, the teacher stresses the positive and is consistent without always being concerned with being "in control." (DF)

Explores education as a creative force affecting all aspects of life. The main emphasis is on developmental possibilities and personal achievements as continuing through the entire lifespan and into the later stages of old age. (CT)

The role of self-perception and other personal characteristics in women's leadership abilities and acceptance of leadership roles is discussed. The importance of replenishing one's emotional and physical resources to function at high professional and personal levels is emphasized. (MSE)

Periodic tenured faculty evaluation can be an opportunity for professional and personal redirection, revitalization, and renewal. The institution profits as much as the individual through better academic planning, teaching, and research. (MSE)

Presents research findings on the relationship of academic skill level, ethnic membership, and foreign birth to two personality traits, autonomy and theoretical orientation, in a sample of college undergraduates. Concludes that while sex, foreign birth, and ethnicity were not related to either trait, the experience of attending college has a…

This study examined the relation between parenting practices and children's participation in and deciding on their after-school activities, as well as in mother-child interactions during a laboratory task involving planning. Participants were 180 mothers and their 7-year-old children (101 European American and 79 Latino American). During a…

This report describes a program designed to increase opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to lead good lives in places of their own, strengthen their communities, and enjoy a genuine sense of self-worth. In addition to offering independent services, the Training Toward Self-Reliance (TTSR) program staff have increased their…

Drawing from a compelling educational initiative that introduced developmentally appropriate teaching techniques from the United States to the well-established early childhood programs in Europe and the former Soviet Union, this book contends that there are subtle, yet effective, teaching techniques that encourage choice, individualism,…

This paper discusses the development of self-determination skills by students with disabilities and the role of the professional in promoting these skills. It begins by providing a list of 25 elements of self-determination and then explains the importance of promoting the development of self-advocacy groups and other endeavors initiated by and for…