Outlines the contributions of education and rehabilitation specialists in maximizing specific skills, self-esteem, and quality of life of individuals with low vision. The role of these specialists in evaluating functional vision, teaching methods to compensate for impaired vision, and addressing psychosocial concerns are discussed. (Author/CR)

Responses from 601 of 2,190 North Dakota residents in 8 school districts involved in consolidation indicated that community participation has declined in vacated communities. More respondents from vacated communities believed consolidation changed retail sales and number of businesses. Quality of life scores were not significantly different in…

An expanding literature reveals that personality traits and psychological resources (PRs) are important in human well-being. This article reviews the literature regarding four PRs (positive thoughts, hardiness, generalized self-efficacy, and optimism), discusses the relationships among PRs and between PRs and personality characteristics, and…

A study of 64 British people with learning disabilities examined the differences in the levels of engagement in purposeful activity between the people living in staffed homes (n=34) and those living in the hospital (n=30). Results found that differences in the level of disability between the two groups predicted the observed differences. (CR)

Describes a program designed to help rural elderly African Americans acquire daily living skills, conducted in their homes to reduce transportation problems and increase participation. The design takes into account characteristics of the population, such as age, health, economic conditions, race, educational level, and support systems. (SK)

Reports on acquiescence in 616 persons (ages 18-69) with mental retardation. The data, collected in a nationwide Finnish quality-of-life study, found: 11 to 36% of subjects responded acquiescently in interviews; there was a significant relationship between acquiescence and interviewer/interviewee gender combinations; there were no significant…

Students from Drexel University (n=15) spent three weeks training and seven weeks serving as volunteer literacy tutors in learners' neighborhoods in the Literacy Training and Participation Program. Compared to an earlier study in a campus setting, there were no differences in academic achievement or quality of life outcomes. (JOW)

Theme issue contains 18 articles on (1) clients' role in assessment of the elderly in long-term care; (2) choosing assessment measures (physical, cognitive, quality-of-life, well-being, social support, multidimensional, culturally appropriate); and (3) making assessments useful (including using technology, assessment by telephone, and clinical…

This study surveyed 94 school leavers with mental retardation or learning disabilities 1 to 3 years later. Students who were more self-determined fared better across multiple quality of life categories, including employment and access to health and other benefits, financial independence, and independent living. (Contains references.) (Author/PB)

A study that investigated how use of community facilities and feelings of belonging were related to the quality of life of 132 Australian adolescents, half with mental retardation. Life satisfaction scores for students with mental retardation correlated significantly with reported levels of activity, friends, and support in the neighborhood.…

Jerry Greenfield, of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, and David Barash, director of human resources for the company, are interviewed about the Ben and Jerry's Children's Center. Objectives of management and employees regarding the center are discussed. Contributions of the company and its employees to the development of the center are noted. (SH)

Discusses various critical interpretations of Zora Neale Hurston's personality and writing beginning in the Harlem Renaissance. Examines literary skirmishes and aesthetic debates between Hurston and Langston Hughes and Richard Wright beginning in the Harlem Renaissance period. Explores Black male and female writers' perspectives during this time.…

Argues that the U.S. has run up huge budget deficits by importing more than it exports and by financing government overspending with overseas borrowing. Maintains that deficits threaten the well-being of future generations and that tax increases are inevitable. Includes tables showing Gross National Product and government spending data. (MW)

Describes Deep Ecology and criticizes its limitations. Discusses mysticism, the bomb, freedom, subjectivity and power as they are addressed by Deep Ecology. Stresses the need to teach ecological balance. (CW)

Proposes a world view or cosmology in the form of 67 laws or principles which are seen by some as governing the Cosmos and the cosmological process. Defines the Cosmos in terms of the ecosphere or Gaia. (CW)