The acquisition of movement skills in American Sign Language was examined longitudinally in young children, one deaf and eight hearing, of deaf parents. Although production accuracy did not improve over the 5 to 14 months of the study's duration, the number and complexity of movements produced by the children did increase. Contacting action was…

A mother and father (both deaf themselves) of one deaf and one hard of hearing child share their parenting experiences, with emphasis on effective strategies for family sharing and bonding. The father begins by sharing his experiences growing up as a deaf child of deaf parents. The mother then recounts her childhood experiences as a deaf child of…

Describes the rationale for integration of supports and services for parents with intellectual disabilities and the steps taken in planning for the development of one model that is currently being evaluated. Implications from this process are presented. (Author/CR)

A study examined the everyday family life of six Australian parent couples with intellectual disabilities. Results indicate that much of what the parents knew about parenting came from their childhood memories or family traditions, followed the example set by other family members, and reflected lessons learned from daily parenting practice. (CR)

This study compared interactions in 18 families headed by either deaf or hearing parents with an eldest hearing child (aged 7 to 11). Transcripts of parent/child dyadic interactions during a vacation planning activity were analyzed. There were no significant differences between children in the two groups, though deaf parents demonstrated less…

This editorial looks at the special support needs of parents with learning difficulties in Britain in the context of the new Adoption and Children Bill, which encourages and speeds adoption. The bill is seen as a major threat to families headed by a parent with learning difficulties. It urges greater attention to providing the known and effective…

Reviews the literature on mentally ill parents and addresses conceptual issues in assessment and services. Critiques methods of assessment and recommends more appropriate and comprehensive assessment protocols. Model programs are discussed with a focus on the development of competent parenting skills combined with social supports for parents who…

A study evaluated the efficacy of self-instructional audiovisual child-care manuals using a multiple baseline design across 10 parents with intellectual disabilities. Self-instruction was effective with 9 parents and 11 out of 12 skills; skills reached percentage-correct levels seen in parents without intellectual disabilities. (Author/CR)

Both deaf and hearing mothers (N=23) were observed in videotaped face-to-face interactions with their infants (also either deaf or hearing) and maternal touching behavior was coded for intensity, location, and type. Deaf mothers were especially responsive to tactile needs of their deaf infants. However, hearing mothers of deaf infants also…

This study evaluated a home-based intervention for parents with intellectual disability to promote child health and home safety in the preschool years. The intervention improved parents' ability to recognize home dangers and to handle emergencies, increased their knowledge about illness and medicines, and increased the number of safety precautions…

A research project in Australia investigated the support and service needs of 47 parents (40 mothers and 7 fathers) with intellectual disability. The study involved interviews and questionnaires with parents, significant others, and service workers; focus groups; and a survey of generic service providers. Findings indicated that 63 percent of…

A study analyzed data on 54 parents with learning disabilities, 30 of whom were Bangladeshi, who came into contact with the specialist community learning disability health team in East London over 5 years. Ninety-one pregnancies were documented. Out of a total of 79 births, 16 children were removed into care. (Contains references.) (CR)

Acquisition of the location aspect of American Sign Language signs was examined in nine young hearing infants and toddlers of deaf parents. Sign locations, overall, were produced with 83.5% accuracy. Highly contrasting locations were acquired first. Location played a central role in young children's early sign language acquisition. (Author/DB)

This paper describes the first three stages of a 4-year study whose purpose is to examine the relationship between American Sign Language (ASL) and English literacy among 160 residential school children (ages 8-15) who are deaf. In the first stage, test instruments were developed, data collection procedures refined, sampling procedures planned,…

This report describes a program designed to increase opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to lead good lives in places of their own, strengthen their communities, and enjoy a genuine sense of self-worth. In addition to offering independent services, the Training Toward Self-Reliance (TTSR) program staff have increased their…