Argues that customary presentations of data on Indian alcohol abuse and "related problems" distort the problem, undermine self-esteem of Indian communities, and lower the chances of success for community-based prevention and treatment programs. Suggests community-specific research on drinking patterns and problems and avoidance of…

Describes the University of Notre Dame's live telecasts on family issues. Indicates that the telecasts, which began in 1988, are cosponsored by local Notre Dame alumni clubs, schools, churches, and service agencies. Describes particular programs and the promotional and information materials developed in conjunction with the programs. Underscores…

After years of hardship and despite owning only 12 percent of its own reservation, the Nez Perce tribe is successfully pursuing community development. Factors include energetic tribal government, good intratribal communications, integrated planning for economic development and forest resource management, and emphasis on cultural preservation and…

This survey of nine institutional and community settings serving persons with severe handicaps found (1) in groups managed by one or two staff, staff interactions, and client adaptive functioning improved with decreased group size; and (2) improvement in staff performance and client behavior from addition of staff to a client group was marginal or…

Life experiences of 18 people with severe mental retardation are reported 4 years after their deinstitutionalization from Tranquille, a facility in Kamloops, British Columbia (Canada). Four themes are identified and discussed: planning and grouping people, leadership, community integration, and social networks. Quality of life had improved for 13…

This paper examines the need for and role of occupational therapy in the organization and functioning of a community day care center for psychiatric patients in India. The occupational therapy program involves client evaluation, determination of therapeutic activities, physical exercise, recreational activities, group sessions, family involvement,…

This article describes a demonstration project that utilized 28 community early childhood programs as intervention placements for 30 preschool-age children with disabilities. Results suggested significant developmental gains for all children. Service delivery characteristics identified as necessary for the effective implementation of intervention…

Describes the recent influx of immigrants from the nations of the former Soviet Union. Presents information about reasons for their emigration and difficulties encountered upon settlement in the United States. Recommends that schools and colleges develop programs to ease the transition for these new students and their families. (CFR)

This study of 26 deinstitutionalized and 31 institutionalized developmentally disabled New South Wales adults found that relocated subjects demonstrated a significant increase in adaptive functioning after 1 year of community living. No corresponding change was found for institutionalized subjects. Daily living skills improved the most, followed…

This comment on EC 231 901 notes that institution-based and community-based residential programs for mentally retarded persons have not been proven to be programmatically equivalent; promoting large institutions as safer than smaller facilities ignores the deplorable history of abuse within institutional services; and institutions cannot assure…

Describes the Independent Study Program of Seekonk High School (Massachusetts), a program that allows students to leave school on a regular basis to volunteer within the community. Seniors choose a project and submit it for approval. Suggestions are given for implementing and sustaining such a program. (SLD)

Discusses the community service promotional activities of black/urban radio in urban neighborhoods, and reports on a survey responded to by 54% on 123 African-American operated stations that demonstrates the industry's commitment to community service. Over 98% indicate active engagement in such activities. (SLD)

Describes the Newcastle Architecture Workshop, an independent, charitable company that works with schools and the community in educating for urban environmental change. Activities in the schools include curriculum planning, collaborating with teachers, developing teaching strategies, and inservice training. Describes several workshop projects, and…

Examines the effectiveness of field trips in raising teaching certification students' awareness of issues of diversity in psychology. Five community organizations serving diverse populations were targeted for student explorations, and it was found that field trips led to higher teaching efficacy and a more comprehensive understanding of issues…

In an exploratory project to enrich the reading experiences of 84 rural low-income first-graders, 15 female community members were trained to work with children in nontraditional and traditional activities that addressed reading-related skills. Student achievement test scores improved from exceptionally low reading achievement in the fall to…