This manual contains training materials on full participation in independent living for a national conference for personnel 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 Living…

The participant's manual contains training materials for a national teleconference on the history and philosophy of the independent living movement for agency personnel. Preliminary materials include the conference agenda, background information about the trainers, and organizational information on Independent Living Research Utilization and the…

To achieve the best outcomes possible, transition-age youth need specific skills in areas such as math, literacy, and independent living. However, skills in these areas will not assure successful outcomes in the absence of adequate social skills. Social skills form the basis for social competence. This brief reviews research on the importance of…

The author of a study which followed up the 1979 deinstitutionalization of 10 adults with mental retardation reflects on his own professional career, his specialization in researching the cost-effectiveness of residential alternatives, and his surprise at the positive adjustment of these individuals to living independently in their own apartments.…

Three adolescent roommates with mild mental retardation were provided training in planning nutritious meals based on the food groups. A multiple probe design across individuals was used to evaluate training efficacy. Results indicated that the training procedures were effective in increasing healthy food choices. All participants maintained 100%…

Surveyed national sample of 307 professionals in relevant fields to obtain professional opinion on critical competencies necessary for deaf individuals to live and work successfully in the community. Findings identified 12 critical skills in employment and 10 critical skills in independent living. (Author/NB)

Explored model integrating human capital, family resource, employment, and psychosocial factors to explain variation in economic self-sufficiency among 851 single mothers on public assistance. Workplace support was most significant factor affecting degree to which mothers reduced their reliance on welfare as source of household income over…

This article offers guidelines on the development of the gifted adolescent with learning disabilities into an adult. Topics considered include the struggle for autonomy, provision of all diagnostic information to the young adult, the special problems of the adult with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, rights and responsibilities, living…

Technological products and services can increase independent living by the elderly, improve their quality of life, and reduce care costs. (Author)

Used data from survey of elderly persons on Java to investigate prevalence of dependency status (functional, economic, residential) and implications of dependency status for happiness with old age. Dependency on kin was not negative situation, but having economic dependents appeared burdensome. Gender, being able to provide inheritance, and…

Introduces special journal issue devoted to social and cultural diversity among adults aged 85 years old and older. Notes that four articles come from San Francisco 85+ Study and briefly describes the study itself as longitudinal study of community-dwelling older adults. Discusses revisions in four assumptions in the study of the oldest-old.…

Analyzed data from San Francisco 85+ Study to examine gender differences in stressors faced in later life by 150 white men and women. Majority of subjects were women, high proportion of whom were unmarried, living alone, functionally impaired, and had reduced financial resources. Men had fewer decrements, were more independent, and exercised more…

A study focused on the experiences of 22 occupational therapy students working with people from different social and cultural backgrounds in New Zealand over a 3-year period. Results highlight issues about how occupation and independence are conceptualized across cultures. (Contains 102 references.) (JOW)

This paper comments on three preceding papers in the same publication on the general topic of self-determination for adults with severe disabilities. The difficulties of defining self-determination are addressed through pragmatism, and the challenges of interpreting self-determination are illustrated through the author's experiences building…

The Independence Programme (TIP) assists young people with physical disabilities in meeting the challenges of adult roles and responsibilities. An evaluation of one summer's program including 4-month follow-up of 10 youths showed clinically important changes in their performance of and satisfaction with daily living skills. (JOW)