Three aspects of quality control are discussed: development of the technology of quality assurance, accessibility of dental care as a quality assurance issue, and the role of the professional association in quality control. Pressures to both assure quality of services, and control costs are acknowledged. (MSE)

This article outlines the context, conceptual bases, and conduct of a project for Southeast Asian refugees, designed to demonstrate that a valid community-based coalition can synergistically promote cardiovascular health through prevention, detection, and control of high blood pressure. (IAH)

Reviewed 273 medical records and interviewed 42 referring physicians to examine effectiveness of geriatric day hospital (GDH). Found that GDH provided intensive outpatient care, geriatric assessment, rehabilitation, and alternative to hospitalization: 21 percent of physician-referred patients would have been hospitalized without GDH, 7 percent…

The article lists questions parents can use to evaluate the quality of educational services for children with learning disabilities. Questions are grouped into the following categories: services, agency and staff, residential or special schools, camps. (DB)

National survey data were gathered from 1,450 school districts to determine the extent to which vocational and transition-oriented services were available to secondary-age special education students. Examined were types of disabilities served, number of students, local education agency service configurations, school resources, and external…

Describes the functions of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which is an international clearinghouse for agricultural information. The discussion focuses on the information formats provided by the agency and the dissemination channels used for FAO information. Lists of finding aids for FAO materials and libraries…

The review of the literature describes services available or recommended for students with learning disabilities at community colleges and traditional four-year colleges. Although a wide variety of services are now available, there is little empirical evidence on the effectiveness of those services. (Author/DB)

Examined effects of a pilot voucher program on the price, supply, and quality of day care. Findings offered no conclusive evidence concerning expected benefits. Discusses vouchers' potential for easing the day care crisis. (RJC)

The solution to the problems faced in preventing child abuse lies in increasing support for the family unit. Nonaccusatory services for families, such as Parents Anonymous, are needed, rather than continued criminalization of child abuse and reliance on the child protective services system for family services. (Author/PB)

Planning and research related to long-term care for American Indian elderly population lag behind state-of-the-art. Indian Health Service, major health care provider for this population, has resisted developing services specific to older tribal members. Innovative efforts have, however, emerged at local level. (Author/NB)

Conducted state-wide survey of aging and blindness agencies in Pennsylvania. Found that large percentage of aging agencies were not addressing needs of aging blind population. Lack of interaction between two systems represented major service delivery barrier. Findings suggest need for improvement in understanding needs, resources, and areas of…

Surveyed 1,498 residents and waiting list members of two Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Found that reasons for joining CCRCs included access to services and protection for spouse. Recent joiners expressed more concerns about lifestyle and locational issues related to moving to a CCRC. (Author/NB)

The literature on parental attitudes towards supported employment for adults with mental retardation is reviewed, and issues needing further research are raised. The role of expectations in service delivery and research is pointed out. (Author/DB)

The article describes ways in which selected grant funds can and are being applied to delivery of speech and language services in remote/rural areas. Effects of Public Law 99-457 and the Catastrophic Health Care Bill are noted. Examples of alternative forms of service delivery and personnel preparation are given. (DB)

The article presents an overview of the blind and visually impaired population in Switzerland and the services provided to them. In general, Switzerland has been slower than the United States and the Scandinavian countries to develop new programs for this population. (Author/DB)