This compilation of materials offers an overview paper and an annotated bibliography on self-determination. The overview paper on self-advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities, authored by Michael Kennedy and Patricia Killius, presents a definition of self-advocacy, notes that poor communication skills should not prevent an…

The participant's manual for a national teleconference (May 29, 2002) contains materials on whether statewide independent living councils (SILCs) should become non-profit organizations eligible under section 501(c) of the Federal Tax Code. Introductory material includes the conference agenda, information about the trainers, and information about…

This participant's manual presents materials for a national conference (May 2002) on youth leadership development within organizations of disabled individuals. Introductory material includes the conference agenda, information about the trainers, and information about the sponsoring organizations, the Independent Living Research Utilization Program…

The participant's manual for a national teleconference (January 23, 2002) provides materials on innovative independent living programs, especially the Mental Health Peer Support Project. Introductory material includes the conference agenda, information about the trainers, and information about the sponsoring organizations, the Independent Living…

Individual Program Plans (n=163) from adults with developmental disabilities receiving community living support services in Australia were analyzed. While plans prepared by nongovernmental agencies were generally superior to governmental agency plans, the average level of plan presentation was poor. Only 14% of the plans offered any criterion for…

Examined effects of a slide presentation prepared by an independent living center to members (N=135) of civic, fraternal, and human service organizations. Determined slide presentation appeared to significantly affect both attitudes toward people with disabilities and knowledge about the center's services. (Author/ABL)

Developed Personal Independence Profile (PIP) as an instrument to measure aspects of independence beyond physical and cognitive functioning in people with diverse disabilities. PIP was tested for reliability and validity with 185 subjects from 10 independent living centers. Findings suggest that the Personal Independence Profile measures the…

A study involving 547 individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) examined the validity of Gerben DeJong's categories of Living Arrangement and Productivity Status to assess overall independent living. Results confirmed the face validity of these categories. A sample of 28 rehabilitation professionals and individuals with SCI validated ranking…

This article explores the meaning of efficiency and equity in the context of independent living programs for people with disabilities. Conflicts in costs and trade-offs in various scenarios of the efficiency/equity equation are examined in terms of theories of utilitarianism, contractarianism, justice and mutual advantage, and justice as…

Social stigma and its impact on the life opportunities and emotional well-being of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are a subject of both practical and theoretical importance. The disability movement and evolving theories of self, now point to individuals ability to develop positive identities and to challenge stigmatizing views and…

Teaching self-determination to students with disabilities has long been a focus of the fields of special education and psychology, with much of the research focusing on why self-determination is important, the effects of self-determination skills on academic and adult outcomes, and identifying strategies teachers can use to teach…

Visual impairment and blindness are issues facing the veteran and non-veteran populations in a variety of ways. Currently, the number of veterans in the U.S. diagnosed with low vision is estimated to be more than one million. The number of veterans diagnosed with legal blindness is estimated to be more than 160,000. Over 45,000 veterans diagnosed…

This paper discusses the design of a program by the Nashville (Tennessee) Center for Independent Living (CIL) to train consumers with disabilities in employing, training, supervising, and firing personal attendants. The program, supported by the Tennessee Developmental Disabilities (DD) Planning Council, provided an opportunity for program design…

YOUTH DARES (Dynamic Alternatives for Rehabilitation through Educational Services) is a program that services a variety of communities located primarily in Brooklyn, New York. It was founded on the belief that the problems facing young students require alternative and imaginative solutions. YOUTH DARES believes there are three major environments…

The participant's manual contains training materials for a national teleconference on coalition building for systems advocacy in agencies concerned with independent living for people with disabilities. Preliminary materials include the conference agenda, background information about the trainers, and organizational information on Independent…