This study examined the role of the Internet and its usage on the level of perceived independence among people with physical disabilities. Discusses independence, perceived control, psychological self-reliance, adaptive technology, hypotheses tested, and future directions. A copy of one of the questionnaires used is appended. (Author/LRW)

A survey of 801 support services for adults with developmental disabilities living in community settings in Canada found a diminution of government's role in funding and guiding service provision and the emergence of private-for-profit services. Differences between nonprofit and private sectors include a greater propensity in nonprofit agencies to…

This article discusses the evolution of the group model for the Adaptive Skills Program used by the New York Lighthouse Vision Rehabilitation Services. Recommendations are provided for program site selection, transportation, consumer selection and group size, program schedule, and curriculum. The benefits of group instruction are described.…

This brief report presents data, by state, showing the proportion of mental retardation/developmental disabilities residential services recipients living in community homes of different sizes. In fiscal year 1995 most (51.8%) residential support service recipients lived in homes of 6 or fewer residents. (DB)

This article examines the personal, cultural, and familial meanings of adulthood as applied to individuals who have significant cognitive disabilities and language disorders. The personal support agent strategy is presented as one way to help adults with significant disabilities fulfill the promises of adulthood and independent living, and a case…

This study demonstrated the use of peer sampling in establishing goals for instructing two older women with visual impairments in independent living skills. The participants nominated their own peers who provided measures on specific tasks that would add a greater degree of self-determination to the goal-setting process. (Contains references.)…

Consumer outcomes and recurrent service costs were compared for 31 individuals with disabilities in group homes and 56 individuals living semi-independently in Australia. Participants living semi-independently had significantly less social dissatisfaction, used community facilities more frequently and independently, participated more in domestic…

A study of 86 adults with mental retardation living in village communities, 133 in residential campuses, and 281 in dispersed housing schemes found dispersed housing had higher costs and had greater quality of care than did residential campuses. Quality of life benefits were associated with dispersed housing and village communities. (Contains…

The parents of a 31-year-old man with mental retardation, mental illness, and behavioral disorders describe how his relatively independent life style is maintained through comprehensive lifestyle support including friends, home, work, community connections, transportation, and family. Anecdotal accounts illustrate interventions effective with…

Recently, a young faculty member commented that e-mail and inexpensive long distance rates were hampering her first-year students' development by making it too easy for them to stay in touch with their parents. Similarly, Judith Shapiro, president of Barnard College, argued in her August 22, 2002, New York Times op-ed piece, "Keeping Parents Off…

While most people see Special Olympics as traditionally centered around sports, what many do not realize is that the movement is also a leader in research about people with intellectual disabilities. In that role, Special Olympics hosted a National Research Symposium at the National Games on July 1, 2006. The symposium drew a wide range of…

This study evaluated the effects of providing comprehensive low vision services to elderly persons with visual impairments in New Zealand. The 93 participants were matched on age, gender, and visual function with 93 who did not have access to comprehensive low vision services. No significant differences were found between the groups at posttest…

This paper presents results from a study initiated by a consortium of non-public special education facilities to respond to issues of accountability. Research questions were (a) How do students from the most restrictive therapeutic non-public special education facilities compare with other nationally published studies?; and (b) How do positive and…

This paper outlines the changing employment climate and shift in attitudes towards disabled people who are expected to become economically active in order to fulfill their role as responsible citizens. We briefly describe the employment profile of disabled people and reiterate the combination of factors identified in shaping progression into the…

The purpose of the U.S. Department of Education's online newsletter "The Education Innovator" is to promote innovative practices in education; to offer features on promising programs and practices; to provide information on innovative research, schools, policies, and trends; and to keep readers informed of key Department priorities and…