Discusses the energy sources not causing global warming. Suggests the use of nuclear energy as an alternative. Presents many excerpts from U.S. Congress and Senate hearings. (YP)

Examines the role of a country with relatively little economic or political power, Ireland, in promoting justice and equality in underdeveloped nations. Describes increased development education funding for school activities and adult education programs. Calls for more direct participation in program design, increased professionalism, and expanded…

A project to promote self-determination for young people with autism is described. Project activities included the development and field-testing of a curriculum for high school students with autism to learn self- and life-knowledge skills. Field testing suggested that the curriculum increased knowledge and self-determination skills in students…

Using a model of successful transition outcomes (independent living, social competence, economic self-sufficiency, and postschool education and employment) and data from 360 British young adults with special needs, patterns of transition are described. It is suggested that productive daytime activity and quality of life may be more relevant…

A measure of quality of life called PALS was developed, focusing exclusively upon subjective psychological dimensions. The measure contains 4 scales (Perceived stress, Affect, Loneliness, and Satisfaction) and was normed with 100 individuals with mental retardation residing at a large facility. Potential uses and limitations of PALS are discussed.…

This longitudinal study evaluated changes in the quality of life experienced by 36 residents (mean age 61 years) of community-based homes after leaving an institutional setting for individuals with disabilities. Data showed that considerable improvement followed the move to community-based homes, especially in the use of community facilities and…

Between 1974 and 1981, 15 teenagers in northern Maine published a small magazine containing interviews with and photographs of their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and neighbors. At a 20-year reunion, they realized that they had collected that heritage not only for archival preservation but to carry it forward for the next generation. (TD)

This study examined the integration of "leisure" into the ideology of Alcoholics Anonymous. Participant-observation and in-depth interviews found parallels between the concept of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous and philosophical ideals of leisure both as conditions of freedom from compelled activity and freedom to engage in meaningful…

Recreation leaders recommend reaching out to homeless individuals and providing programs that may help improve their health, bring them some fun and happiness, and boost their quality of life. The paper describes how one North Carolina county addressed the issue through recreation programs and other activities. (SM)

Describes a study investigating the effects of age and sports participation on functional loss. Data on 756 adults who underwent maximal exercise testing during the 1985 World Masters Games indicate even moderate sports participation may enhance functional capacity. Older people may maintain independence in later life by increasing physical…

Gender and decade-of-life effects on quality-of-life (QOL) experiences of the chronically mentally ill (CMI) are examined using data (n=469) from previous QOL research. Gender and decade-of-life affect objective QOL experiences more than life satisfaction. Data show a difference in midlife psychological adjustment between CMI males and females.…

The current conceptualization in the mental retardation-developmental disability field regarding quality of life, quality enhancement, and quality assurance is summarized. Implications of these issues for program planning and evaluation are discussed, with attention to management and a framework for quality assurance. (SLD)

The study evaluated the postschool status of approximately 2,600 special education and 1,100 nonhandicapped students at 6 to 30 months after school exit. Results indicated that across all variables, former students identified as nonhandicapped and learning disabled fared better than students identified as mildly mentally retarded. (Author/DB)

This paper conceptualizes transition as an outcome-oriented process leading to quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The paper discusses theoretical issues pertaining to the definition and conceptualization of quality of life, research findings in this area, and issues that should be addressed in the future. (Author/JDD)

An instrument for measuring the cognitive domain of the quality of student life in faculties of education was developed using a sample of 526 graduate and undergraduate students in a Canadian university. Findings suggest three dimensions of the cognitive domain of the quality of student life. (SLD)