Reevaluates the role of dependence in late-life development using concepts drawn from psychology, sociology, social work, gerontology, and scholarship on women's development. Presents old age as a time of continued positive growth and change. Argues against prevailing notions that successful aging features independence and health until death. (RJM)

Iowa high school graduates (n=322) with mental disabilities were interviewed one and three years after graduation, concerning general status, employment, and adult adjustment. Over the postgraduation period, subjects became more independent in living arrangements and increased the number of hours per week of employment, but only approximately 20%…

In the context of the increased incidence of diabetes among Native American populations, this article describes a federally funded rehabilitation project to teach American Indian health care workers about aging, vision loss, and independent living skills. The project's focus is on service provision through community health representatives. (DB)

A new construct of meaninglessness as a psychological dimension of everyday life is presented. Four theoretically based components of the construct were expressed in the self and life descriptions of 95% of 153 Dutch independently-living aged adults. Content analysis was used; components and explanations are discussed. (Author/EMK)

The residential independence of postsecondary students with disabilities, who had originally participated in the National Longitudinal Transition Study of students leaving high school between 1985 and 1990, was assessed through responses from 5,462 parents or surrogate parents of these students. Among predictors of residential independence were…

Survey data were collected on the life experiences and status of 388 young adults with disabilities out of school for 1 to 5 years. Results support a 7-factor model of community adjustment: personal satisfaction, employment-economic integration, community assimilation, need for support services, recreation-leisure integration, social network…

This study successfully interviewed 109 randomly selected Chinese people aged 60 and over living alone in two public housing estates in an urban area of Hong Kong. The results show that mental health status, number of days staying in hospital, life satisfaction, age, and self-esteem are significant factors in predicting the life quality of older…

The current study, with its foundation in expectancy theory, investigated the relationships between teacher expectations of future outcomes for students within the autism spectrum. Fifteen teachers, in private and public school settings, completed a survey that assessed their expectations about the importance and the likelihood of specific…

This publication is intended to help ensure full and prompt implementation of the improvements in the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act for children being raised by grandparents and other relatives. It was prepared by 18 organizations, many of whom have been working individually and together for a number of years to…

This catalog describes 22 programs selected as exemplary by the Regional Rehabilitation Exchange (RRX) project, in the areas of supported employment, job placement services, school-to-adult life transition, and independent living services. The programs are located in federally designated Region VI, consisting of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,…

This report evaluates a self-directed personal service (SDPS) program operated through the larger Enable Program for people with disabilities in Onondaga County, New York. First, it contrasts characteristics of traditional personal assistance services (such as low pay, agency-determined, limited types/levels of support, and program management…

This report describes the mission and programs of Developmental Services of Strafford County, Incorporated, one of 12 area agencies serving people with developmental disabilities in New Hampshire. The report specifically examines the agency's activities in the area of supportive living. It highlights the lives of four people, describes the two…

This book chapter outlines a number of key characteristics crucial to the integrity, utility, and efficiency of a behavioral assessment instrument for community living skills of people with developmental disabilities. In addition to basic psychometric considerations, the paper suggests that the functions of a behavioral assessment instrument could…

The report describes and evaluates a 10-week program to help an adjudicated 18-year-old male with behavioral disorders living in a structured residential treatment facility to develop independent living skills. The experimental program consisted of three levels, each offering more independence, while providing support, guidance, and direction to…

Intended primarily for parents of teenagers or young adults with mild and moderate mental disabilities, this guide offers a specific program to teach basic budgeting skills. The program is differentiated for teenagers who either can count money or who have trouble reading and counting money. The program for teenagers who can count money begins…