This study of 54 individuals with head injuries compares a commonly used measure of physical disability, the Barthel Index, with three measures designed to assess intellectual functioning, communication, behavior, and mobility. The results indicate support for using scales other than the Barthel Index when describing disability following traumatic…

This paper describes the use, by a low-functioning woman with multiple disabilities, of a new portable control device which allows staff to preset a sequence of indoor-activity destinations for the subject to travel to, using a simple response, during the course of a work period. (DB)

The effects of resident behavior and resident characteristics on the quantity and quality of care 452 residents with severe mental retardation received from 416 direct-care staff was examined. Results found certain resident characteristics, and behavior did influence specific aspects of the care they received, especially ambulance, communication,…

This article presents an interview with a mother using a new mobility curriculum with her 4-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy. The physical supports or prompts used in the MOVE curriculum are designed to facilitate the use of mobility skills, not to replace them. An overview of the curriculum is provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

Purpose: To provide insight into the contribution of psychological variables in understanding use and nonuse of assistive devices (ADs) for self-care and mobility. Design and Methods: A survey on a representative sample of 491 community-dwelling elderly people in Flanders was conducted. A theoretical model of the factors predicting the use of ADs…

This qualitative study explored the experiences of nine current or former university students with disabilities on their transition into the labour force. Results indicated that participants encountered significant obstacles to employment, such as: (a) attitudinal and physical/sensory barriers in the workplace, (b) limited access to public…

This course is designed to help direct caregivers of people with severe disabilities to better their understanding of the process of positioning. The instructor's guide contains content notes and implementation notes, along with sheets for overhead projection, worksheets, and handouts. The course is organized into 15 sections, totaling about 8…

Perceptions were obtained from 480 college student services officers concerning compliance of their employing institutions with selected provisions of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (specifically Section 504). The survey instrument presented a statement from each of 24 provisions of the two Acts.…

Designed to assist the House Select Committee on Aging in determining how technology can be utilized to improve the quality of life for the older population both now and in the future, this hearing was convened for five specific reasons: (1) to identify applications of technology for the benefit of older persons and mechanisms for their…

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.…

Examined two aspects of balance control in the older adult: coordination of timing and amplitude of muscle responses to postural perturbations, and ability of the participant to reorganize sensory inputs and subsequently modify postural responses as a consequence of changing environmental conditions. (Author/ABB)

A mail-out survey was used to assess the transportation needs of seniors living in relatively remote rural areas of Saskatchewan. Two types of transportation needs were identified: the need to make local trips at least once a week and the need for transportation to a district center at least once a month. (Author/CT)

The environments of most young children present many opportunities for learning. However, preschoolers who have severe motor disorders are frequently unable to explore the world around them. Project Participate addressed the problems presented by the limitations placed on the activities of preschoolers who have severe motor disorders. During the…

Social interaction and physical activity are important aspects of health maintenance for the aged. A holistic approach to the care of the elderly in nursing homes would involve a team of professionals who encourage residents to pursue such tasks as adaptation to loss, and maintenance of physical activity to retain function. (JN)

A selection of available resources from various agencies is presented to inform the older adult about such issues as: (1) special travel arrangements for travelers with unusual needs; (2) accommodations; (3) local transportation, (4) recreational activities; and (5) fashions for the changing body. (JN)