This guide, which gives an overview of federally funded vocational rehabilitation programs available in New Mexico, was developed for clients and potential clients of vocational rehabilitation services. Written in a simple and clear manner, the manual outlines the goals of rehabilitation: independence, self-management, self-advocacy, and…

The newsletter presents short vignettes describing persons of different ages and disabilities, with emphasis on the technologies each person uses to cope with daily challenges. Vignettes describe a Down Syndrome 6-year-old whose learning is helped by computer access; a cerebral palsied adult whose head-controlled power wheelchair, dowel stick,…

The transition from foster care to adult independence brings many unexpected challenges. This document reports on the experiences of young adults as they leave the foster care system. It identifies community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide support and services to these adults, and relates opinions of both in order to identify what is…

Discusses ethical issues surrounding health care for independent elders, those in long-term care, and those with cognitive impairments, as well as death, dying, euthanasia, and assisted suicide. Suggests that nurses should focus on older adults' choice, autonomy, and personal control. (SK)

A report on the current status of 10 adults with mental retardation who were deinstitutionalized in 1979 found all 10 still were living independently. All had stable and satisfying lives according to their own reports and those of their case managers. Case managers reported moderate satisfaction with clients' competence in the areas of travel and…

A model is presented for the school-to-community transition of disabled students. The model emphasizes occupation, residential adjustment, and existence of desirable social and interpersonal networks. Problems in these three areas are documented, and development of the Oregon Transition Team Model to improve patterns of service and care is…

This article describes a functional mathematics activity to help secondary students with mild disabilities develop critical thinking, calculation, and reasoning skills by evaluating the "rent-to-own" option for furnishing an apartment. Suggestions address needed materials, prerequisite skills, procedures, sample worksheets, and modifications. (DB)

An adapted version of the Scales of Independent Behavior (SIB) for administration to children with visual impairments is described, noting the rewording of task instructions, addition of comments, and deletion of inappropriate tasks. Results of a pilot study with 6 teachers of visually impaired students and a field evaluation with 15 similar…

The author of EC 604 294 examines the lack of training students receive in applying problem-solving processes to novel situations and explores the development of her interest in defining and operationalizing the concept of independent living skills in individuals with disabilities, especially deafness. (JDD)

Independent living centers serve a cross-disability population; involve persons with disabilities in policymaking, goal setting, and service delivery; provide comprehensive services for independent living; and provide both consumer and systemwide advocacy. Barriers to rural independent living and approaches to overcoming them are described. (SV)

Disabled children in rural areas face special challenges in preparing for independence in communities where services are inadequate. Rural special education teachers must become promoters of independent living for disabled young people. Possibilities are outlined for teacher interventions with individuals and families and advocacy efforts.…

The effects of independent living training programs for 1,498 people with developmental disabilities were examined. After seven years, individuals who had received greater amounts of independent living services and improved/maintained their independent living skills were more likely to still live independently. There was no relationship between…

This study evaluated the gains in capacity and mode of performance made by 57 elderly blind persons who were clients of an independent living services program in Mississippi. It was found that the gains in capacity were significant in all areas and the gains in mode of performance were significant for 41 of the 47 skill areas that were assessed.…

Satisfaction with human services and quality of life was evaluated through interviews with 247 Colorado individuals with developmental disabilities (age 0-72 years) assisted by caregivers. Consumer satisfaction and levels of integration, productivity, and independence were measured for the following services: case management, residential,…

Review of the medical charts of 369 adults with mental retardation found increased use of psychoactive medications with subjects 55-years old and older compared to those 20-39 years of age. The increased psychoactive use by elderly adults was associated with independent living and with psychiatric diagnosis. Neuroleptic use was increased for…