Analyzed data from San Francisco 85+ Study, longitudinal study of community-dwelling older adults, to make comparisons between whites (n=150) and African Americans (n=122). Found that African Americans were significantly more disadvantaged than whites in socioeconomic status. African Americans perceived their health as poorer than whites but were…

Analyzed data from San Francisco 85+ Study, longitudinal study of community-dwelling older adults, to examine family relationships of white oldest-old (n=150). Found that only one-half had relatives available to them if they needed help. Primary family resources were children, especially for women. Respondents appeared to be passive and…

Examines the perceptions of older, community-dwelling adults about factors they consider essential for remaining independent. In-depth interviews with 103 residents revealed that they considered finances, health, family support, a sense of identity, and a feeling of independence as contributing to their ability to remain in the community. (RJM)

A study examined the outcomes for 140 graduates of the Threshold Program at Lesley University, Massachusetts, a non-degree post-secondary program which aims to help young adults with severe learning disabilities and low-average IQ develop independent living skills. Sixty-nine percent of graduates are living independently and 82 percent are…

Examines the transition achievement of deaf persons 3 or 4 years out of high school (n=308). Ten independent variables were used to predict 2 dichotomous dependent variables: engagement with community (56%), and residential status (52% living independently). Results are presented for each dependent variable. (JPS)

Two hundred adults with mild mental retardation were assessed on overall job satisfaction and self-esteem. Subjects worked either in a sheltered workshop or a supported employment setting. Subjects who worked in supported employment reported significantly higher levels of job satisfaction and self-esteem. Subjects living in semi-independent…

Determined independent effects of nine self-reported medical conditions on the likelihood of developing specific instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) disabilities at three points in time. Various medical conditions differentially affect each specific IADL disability, and each IADL disability has its own set of predictors, which, in…

While research on functional decline in later life has expanded knowledge on aging, theories of functional transitions are needed. Proposes a conceptual model that views change as mobility between states. Exploring the analogy between geographic migration and functional change suggests several migration concepts that might be borrowed by aging…

The costs, nature, and benefits of residential supports were examined for 20 adults with severe disabilities living in newly built residential campuses and 20 adults living in small community-based dispersed housing schemes. Participants living in dispersed housing schemes enjoyed significantly greater quality of care and quality of life.…

A model project disseminates information on successful and independent aging through interactive television in a partnership of community college and community agency consortia. The monthly programs are targeted at older adults, families of the elderly, service providers, and middle-aged adults approaching old age. (SK)

Observations were conducted of the in-home leisure activity of three adults with severe disabilities in three supported independent living (SIL) sites. Results indicated a lack of leisure engagement. Potentially preferred, typical leisure activities were then identified by consulting lists of common leisure activities, surveying adults in…

Students often participate in service learning because it looks good on college applications or is a natural outcome of their church or club activities. If they stumble into careers of service later, it is usually an afterthought, not part of a planned path. Considering the social, environmental, and economic equity issues that today's students…

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students are often delayed in developing their independent living skills because of parental restrictions on activities outside the home due to worries about their child's inability to communicate, their whereabouts, and their general safety. Recent accounts of the use of two-way text messagers suggests that, like…

Students with disabilities need self-determination skills to achieve desired in-school and post-school outcomes. Many of these students need direct and explicit instruction to develop these skills. To provide this instruction, schools can infuse self-determination skills into content instruction or adopt a stand-alone self-determination…

This study investigates use of computer simulation for teaching ATM use to adults with intellectual disabilities. ATM-SIM is a computer-based trainer used for teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities how to use an automated teller machine (ATM) to access their personal bank accounts. In the pilot evaluation, a prototype system was…