This report describes the genesis, definition and use of the Personal Outcomes database, a database designed to assess whether programs and services are being effective in helping individuals with disabilities. The database is based on 25 outcome measures in seven domains, including: (1) identity, which is designed to provide a sense of how people…

This test manual provides information on the Adaptive Behavior Education Scale-Revised (ABES-R), a 25-minute behavior scale designed to evaluate adaptive skills in students with behavioral, learning, and intellectual disabilities, including educationally relevant behavior which may be identified as contributing to more appropriate diagnosis,…

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (the Act), provides the legislative basis for programs and activities that assist individuals with disabilities in the pursuit of gainful employment, independence, self-sufficiency and full integration into community life. This report is intended to provide a description of accomplishments and progress…

A study investigated parental perceptions (n=351) of eight physical and human resources available to meet the needs of children with developmental disabilities in Kenya. Most parents reported a match between expected use and importance in five areas: health, friends, religious affiliation, community acceptance, and having one's own home. (Contains…

A survey of 254 transition programs across North America examines their values, supports, and services. Identifies the seven best practices that all effective programs have in common. Suggests that these best practices are not enough. Offers that alternative methods of education and training, collaboration between resource and service providers,…

This article analyzes educational policy for students with mild mental retardation in terms of four important outcomes: (1) successful employment; (2) development of independence; (3) the acquisition of life skills; and (4) successful involvement within the school and community. Inhibitors of successful outcomes are identified, and federal and…

Categories of age-related disabilities are described. The goal of rehabilitation is to enable elderly individuals to continue living at home with some independence. In rural areas, this goal can be attained through rehabilitation in the community by nurses, volunteers, the elderly themselves, and family members; provision of appropriate assistive…

American society is becoming increasingly multiethnic and multilingual (Rodriguez, 1990). Nearly 25% of the U.S. population is composed of individuals of racial/ethnic groups other than Caucasian (U.S. Census Bureau, 2001). The same is true with regard to special education students. According to the Twenty-Fifth Annual Report to Congress on the…

This document, a curriculum guide focusing on both independent living skills and job readiness skills, is based on the experience of the Bilingual Vocational Education program in Virginia. The lessons are sequenced to increase in difficulty as students acquire more English skills, but individual units do not necessarily require competencies…

This newsletter issue describes a programmatic line of research to develop and standardize a test battery of transition skills (employment and independent living skills) for adolescents and young adults (ages 14 to 25) who are deaf. The newsletter first discusses the importance of assessment data to the transition process for persons who are deaf.…

This booklet is designed as a resource in developing a system to document indicators of post-school educational outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities. The booklet briefly reviews the National Center on Educational Outcomes' conceptual model of domains, outcomes, and indicators for individuals at the post-school level. It…

This guidebook provides behavioral-instructional strategies for teaching essential personal safety skills and promoting overall well-being to persons with developmental disabilities. Case studies demonstrate these strategies in practice, and detailed curriculum goals are included to guide intervention efforts. To ensure that learners both…

This text aims to provide a comprehensive and cohesive look at theory and practice in transition of persons with mild disabilities. Part I addresses transition's rationale, definitions, components, legislative history, models, related models, and supports and barriers. Part II examines the relationship of secondary and postsecondary special…

This study collected data on 413 students who exited North Dakota special education programs in 1988, including exiters who had graduated with a diploma, special diploma, or certificate; earned a General Educational Development certificate; or dropped out. Data were evaluated concerning demographic and educational characteristics of respondents,…

This collection of 10 papers focuses on the transition of students with learning disabilities from secondary education to employment, postsecondary education, independent living, and full social integration. The text concentrates on systemic transition problems that prevent successful communication, coordination, goal setting, and appropriate…