Analysis of speech samples of 40 noninstitutionalized persons (ages 20-50) with mental retardation found that speech and prosody status were not statistically associated with gender or gross level of mental retardation but were associated with estimated probability of independent living. The existence of a cognitive capacity constraint and a…

Meeting the challenge of providing supported living for people with developmental disabilities calls for new relationships among people receiving support, those providing support, and families. The focus should be on assisting people with developmental disabilities to establish a sense of place, security of place, and effective personalized…

This paper discusses a model crisis intervention program for community-based individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness, featuring cross-system access between existing services and emphasis on staff training. Outcomes of the Rochester, New York, program reveal that 69% of 267 individuals referred to the program required only 1…

Fifty-four adults with developmental disabilities living independently in three different communities were interviewed about their social interactions during seven consecutive days. The study concluded that a satisfactory level of integration was not occurring when judged by subjects' interactions with persons without disabilities. (Author/DB)

This study assessed the ability of 45 young adults, who had graduated from a campus-based, comprehensive transition program for individuals with learning disabilities, to manage the demands of independent living and competitive employment. The study examined employment and living arrangement stability, support systems commonly used, and specific…

This article describes the Social Security Administration's PASS (Plan for Achieving Self Support) program which is intended to assist persons with disabilities to achieve economic independence. The program allows Supplemental Security Income recipients to set aside funds to pay expenses required to reach a specific employment goal. (DB)

Describes project helping frail elders to live independently. Describes community forums through which elders engaged in problem solving with health care professionals and policymakers. Notes that, when asked about remaining independent, 102 elders' responses fit into themes: safety; problems communicating with health care providers;…

This study follows the concerns and stresses of four Australian people with mental retardation for five months as they moved out into a community-based supported accommodation. The transition was seen as a positive event which lowered stress, however, other issues gradually re-emerged and their perceived stress level soon rose again. (Author/CR)

Which dimensions are most accurately judged by workers with disabilities across various occupations? Which occupations are most accurately judged across the various dimensions? Students in a rehabilitation program (n=60) were reasonably accurate on all dimensions except opportunity. Functional cognition is discussed in terms of prior interest or…

The Experience Corps for Independent Living is a volunteer service program designed to expand the independent living services available to frail elders and their families. Five first-year projects were able to serve a critical mass and promote community linkages. Three had active leadership development programs. (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 author presents his own simpler definitions of self-determination and draws on his own experience of disability to assess the other articles. Specific suggestions and general needs for policy…

This study examines the retrospective reports of alumni of Israeli group homes on their experiences of leaving care, taking into account possible gender differences as well as associations with their experiences while in care. The reports of 94 alumni (38 men and 56 women) interviewed by phone revealed major difficulties associated with the…

Purpose: To identify the most common beliefs concerning the negative consequences of falling and determine whether these motivate avoidance of activity. Design and Methods: A questionnaire assessing feared consequences of falling was completed by 224 community-living people aged older than 75. Beliefs about the consequences of falling were related…

One of the most prevalent visual impairments of people aged 60 and older is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which ranks third globally as a cause of visual impairment (World Health Organization, 2006). The purpose of this study was to conduct a tentative subjective assessment of eccentric viewing by persons with AMD. The authors recruited…

In December of 2004, the reauthorization of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) was signed into law and went into effect on July 1, 2005, making dramatic changes in the area of transition from school to post-secondary life. The President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education created recommendations that influenced the new…