This brief report applies research on self-determination to suggestions for helping students with disabilities make a successful transition from school to adult life. First, it defines the concept of self-determination and considers how self-determination is learned. It summarizes research supporting the view that self-determination in high school…

The purpose of this study was to explore the benefits of cooperative learning in weblog networks, focusing particularly on learning outcomes in college writing curriculum integrated with computer-mediated learning tool-weblog. The first section addressed the advantages of using weblogs in cooperative learning structure on teaching and learning.…

This brochure summarizes content that is covered in the DO-IT 17-minute videotape, "Taking Charge: Stories of Success and Self-Determination." The document provides insights from successful young people and adults with disabilities associated with the DO-IT project. These insights are designed to help young people with disabilities learn to lead…

This paper discusses the political conflicts that may arise around person-centered planning for individuals with disabilities. It argues that person-centered planning offers a forum for dealing with contested questions in the lives of particular people and in the histories of particular organizations, communities, and states. These questions…

Multidimensionality of locus of control was measured among 740 American Indians, aged 17 to 81 (median age of 19), in five sites; four clusters emerged: personal control, race ideology, control ideology, and fate ideology. Control ideology accounted for the most internal responses, personal control for the most external responses. (MH)

Examined relationships between sex, sources of information, and three job-related variables: job autonomy, satisfaction with supervisor, and opportunities for advancement. Found that gender is not an important predictor of the variables; information sources account for the majority of the variance. (PD)

An attitude scale on sexuality and the handicapped was developed and field tested on 232 people in contact with mentally retarded persons. The results indicate that the scale was sensitive to differences in attitudes within and between groups and that sexuality training was effective in producing attitude change. (Author/SEW)

A study of 713 former special education students investigated the background characteristics associated with an elevated quality of life after leaving high school. Esteem, independence, and support were correlated with geo-economic, family, personal, and school program characteristics. Competency was found to be a primary quality-of-life factor.…

Explores the relationships between adolescence and self-determination, and presents a model for self-determination that incorporates components of the skills and knowledge necessary for adolescents to realize their identities. Interventions aimed at promoting self-determination in youth with disabilities, including curricular interventions,…

The writer, an individual with progressive hearing loss, describes the isolation and powerlessness experienced by people with hearing loss and comments on the great value that participation in the arts and art education can have in moderating this isolation and empowering individuals to find their own identity. (DB)

"Living in a Supervised Home: A Questionnaire on Quality of Life" was used to study the relationship between age, disability, and the quality of life of 57 older adults with mental retardation. Results indicated that age was associated with greater self-help skills but more mobility and continence problems; also, age was positively associated with…

Investigated mothers and children's concepts of children's areas of personal discretion, autonomy, and individuality. Findings indicated that mothers viewed their roles as educators and nurturers and valued the development of individuality in their children. Gender differences were found in the ways mothers characterized boys' and girls'…

A study of 65 Australian adults with mental retardation who lived in staff-supported community residences examined the impact of size of residence on residents' opportunities for choice. Participants were interviewed and assessed using the Choice Questionnaire and other testing instruments. Results found that residents in smaller settings with…

Analyzed children's interactions in 19 Japanese preschools, focusing on conflict resolution and how teachers diminish their role as authority figures to encourage children's sense of self-efficacy and autonomy. Found that the most common Japanese teacher response to conflict is nonintervention, with rare use of commands and rule statements.…

Examined life satisfaction, residential satisfaction, locus of control, and their correlates among a sample of 82 urban-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injuries. Results indicated that life satisfaction was virtually synonymous with self-concept. Residential satisfaction was tied to perceived residential choice and to issues surrounding…