This paper presents information to assist in the planning and development of policy related to the education of very young children with disabilities. The paper first considers research-supported reasons for providing early childhood intervention services based on effectiveness data from many sources. Subsequent sections examine: (1)…

Temporary child care programs, such as crisis nurseries or respite care services for children with special needs, need to develop and implement a risk management program to address any difficulties that might be encountered in providing direct care services. Risk management is a structured process to minimize potential liability, avoid harm to…

This report examines how Minnesota school districts use regional education organizations and how well the existing system of regional organizations serves school districts. Data were obtained from a survey of all 395 Minnesota school districts, of which 321, or a response rate of 81 percent, responded. The survey focused on issues surrounding…

This publication spotlights the success and diversity of Florida's many intergenerational programs. It describes what intergenerational programming is and the three community needs that intergenerational programs address. Statistics on older persons as well as youth and families in Florida are followed by a listing of what intergenerational…

This report provides an overview of the Veterans Administration (VA) and how it pays for assistive devices for veterans. It explains the VA payment structure and decision-making responsibilities concerning assistive equipment. Following an introductory section, the report provides background on the VA system, summarizing its legislative origins,…

This document is intended to encourage organizations that serve persons with disabilities to explore the potential for expanded credit opportunities for their constituencies, particularly credit financing for assistive aids and devices. The paper contends that there are significant numbers of persons with disabilities who could effectively handle…

The impact of interagency relationships on the educational institution is explored in this paper, which focuses on the Leadville Center Project experience. The project was an interagency effort in which the Leadville Center, housed in a former elementary school building, provided day care and coordinated social services in an economically stricken…

Persons with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) may be diagnosed at birth based on specific symptoms and anomalies. These are history of prenatal alcohol exposure, mental retardation, central nervous system dysfunctions, growth deficiency, particular physical anomalies, and speech and language anomalies. With aging, cranial and skeletal anomalies become…

Interviews were conducted with 127 American Indians with disabilities living in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area in Minnesota. This executive summary briefly describes the research process, emphasizing that American Indians were involved in designing the project, and reports the study results. Graphs and tables indicate tribal…

This information package offers guidelines on conducting program evaluations to improve services. Though the examples relate specifically to respite care services for families of individuals with disabilities, the information is more generally applicable. In the first of four factsheets, titled "Local Program Evaluation," the form of evaluation…

A survey was conducted of the number and needs of adults with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities (MR/DD) currently waiting for community services. Survey data were obtained for 46 states and the District of Columbia. Respondents included directors of state mental retardation/developmental disabilities programs, state…

A number of studies have examined variables that discriminate individuals who drop out of mental health programs. However, relatively little attention has been focused on determining characteristics of individuals who fail to follow through after their initial contact with mental health services. This study was designed to provide a profile of…

This participant's manual is part of a set of training materials developed to help vocational rehabilitation workers improve their basic helping skills. It contains reading materials to assist trainees in developing a clear concept of the helping model and self-critiquing exercises to help them integrate their new skills into particular work…

Traditionally, blacks have been underrepresented in scientific and technical career fields, focusing instead on people and service-oriented careers. To investigate the relationship between career aspiration and various environmental influences (e.g., academic preparation and intellectual orientation, science-oriented hobbies, math and science…

Instead of emphasizing basic skills remediation or academic tutoring, a counseling model can provide a consistent support system, reduce client anxiety levels, and build self-confidence among learning disabled (LD) college students. All of the services offered under this model--(1) academic advisement, (2) personal counseling, (3) career…