To foster community among students, teachers require training that gives them a positive community experience and equips them with experience-based pedagogical and curricular tools. Stanford University's Experiential Curricula Project embodies five principles: moving from students' experience to theory; engaging students in common projects;…

Examined the relationship between acculturation and familism among 182 Hispanics of Puerto Rican descent. Three dimensions of familism (familial obligations, support from relatives, and family as referents) had different relationships to acculturation. Results also suggest that acculturation may be better represented as a single, second-order…

A four-year study investigated the effects of deinstitutionalization programs on 71 individuals who remained in institutions being downsized. Results found downsizing was associated with decreased community integration, decreased availability of therapy services, and many residential and day program moves within the institution. Per person…

Summarizes a study of the economic, social, and health characteristics of unemployed people with disabilities in Slovenia. Responses by 246 unemployed people with disabilities to a questionnaire provided the data. Results are analyzed in terms of employment waiting period, educational level, economic situation, psycho-social and family situation,…

Describes successful practices for the socialization of students with and without disabilities in the general education classroom. A model of inclusion conducive to establishing positive interactions and communication among students with and without disabilities is presented. Effective intervention strategies involving the relationship between two…

Argues that the social structure of postindustrial society represents a structural integration of all children but this institutionalization constructs divergent local structures, marginalization, and cultural and social differentiation. Suggests that childhood research requires an elaboration of the acting subject and the framework of structures…

This paper reports results of a qualitative study of the workplace experiences of eight young adults with developmental disabilities. Four characteristics of supportive workplaces were identified: (1) multiple context relationships; (2) specific social opportunities; (3) a personal and team-building management style; and (4) interdependent job…

In this essay, the hearing parents of a child with deafness explain why they have chosen not to seek a cochlear implant for their daughter. The essay concludes that deafness inspires and sustains a language and a culture that offer fulfilling participation in every important aspect of life and society. (CR)

Analysis of interviews with 41 service providers (20 deaf, 21 hearing) who worked together at three British organizations found deaf and hearing individuals had differing perspectives on the integrated working experience and the use of sign language in the work setting. Deaf/hearing relations were perceived as largely person-centered by deaf…

This longitudinal study predicted retention from academic integration, social integration, and commitment to remain in college in a sample of first-year students at a residential, private research university. When assessed separately, first semester reports of commitment mediated the effects of both academic and social integration on retention six…

Knowledge work today is entirely different, and knowledge professionals such as faculty must be allowed to engage in scholarship, teaching, and service cyclically, not simultaneously. Institutional mechanisms must support social integration of knowledge as they now support research and teaching. (SK)

This study investigated the use of "natural supports" in the workplace in tandem with supported employment services for employees with severe disabilities. Analysis of data from 462 people in eight states on how "typical" the individual's employment setting was found that incorporating "typical" employment features in workplaces was associated…

A study demonstrated the effectiveness of a three-phase treatment package for determining setting preferences and for teaching three adults with severe mental retardation to express their choice between settings for similar leisure activities. Participants learned to use objects associated with different settings to communicate their choices.…

The Young Adult Learners Project focuses on personal development and social inclusion through a curriculum emphasizing these topics: self-management, using information, rights and responsibilities, relationships, support, risks, self-knowledge, coping with feelings, and beliefs. Mentors play a key role in guidance and assessment. (SK)

This study first classified empirical measures that have been used to assess the social integration of employees with disabilities. It then aggregated findings describing social interaction patterns in employment. Ten categories of measures of social interaction were identified and occurrence of social interaction was found to vary by…