The study examined the structure and patterns of service utilization of all elderly persons (N=1911) receiving state-supported mental retardation services in Massachusetts in 1987. Increased use of services and growing numbers of increasingly frail elderly people were noted. Qualitative data concerning age-integrated, age-specialized, and generic…

Describes how rural human service agencies of Clarendon County (South Carolina) cooperate, coordinate, and use creativity in providing services for their mutual client populations. Discusses use of interagency teams and shared resources and training, problems regarding confidentiality, and response to client needs. (NEC)

The author recounts the transition in Norway from a system with specialized professionals in unique settings to a generically based system dealing with handicapped populations under general programs. Both positive and negative observations are offered, as well as recommendations for combining special services by trained professionals with the…

The study attempted to determine effects of basic client characteristics on the delivery of services to disabled older adults in Canada. Results indicate that there is a weak relationship between age, gender, and level of cognitive functioning and the overall receipt of services. However, when each service is analyzed, only day programs are…

Basic assumptions of the Regular Education Initiative (which encourages closer coordination of regular and special education) were examined. The authors assert that students are not overidentified for special education, that student failure is not due only to teacher shortcomings, and that variability in student performance will increase not…

The article compares educational services for the deaf in Nigeria and Canada. Noted are common influences of the British Commonwealth and relationship with Gallaudet University. The structure of services, communication systems, teacher qualifications, and postsecondary education in both countries are discussed. (Author/DB)

Discusses need for systems-based approach to quality assurance in mental health services, which can provide useful information to administrators and practitioners as they work to maintain or improve quality of care provided to patients. Introduces generic model for monitoring and evaluating quality of care and discusses potential barriers to its…

Provides general review of literature on professional rehabilitation competency importance and practitioner attainment as background information for series of research articles on the subject. Also provides information about National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research funded project along with rationale for the research. (Author)

Analyzed five-year experience of neighborhood-based, volunteer geriatric health outreach program developed by consortium of health and social agencies. Found outreach program enhanced network of natural community helpers through organized program in which Street Health Workers provided support to older adults and families. (Author)

Reviews major research data associated with aging among the developmentally disabled including prevalence, longevity patterns, morbidity profiles, mental decline, mental illness, comparative experiences of disabled persons in institutions and in community based living situations, and approaches used to define aging in this population. Discusses…

The author describes how the best training functions operate and what is responsible for their substantial contribution to their organizations. He discusses awareness of the mission, goals, and needs of the organization; line management commitment; emphasis on practicality; using multiple sources; consistent delivery; and evaluation of results.…

The author discusses support services related to generalizable skills instruction. She includes topics such as existing vocational training models for special needs learners and approaches for delivering support services. (CT)

Reports responses to Training's 1986 survey concerning trends in training. Responses concern what categories of jobs get training, sources of training, use of interactive video, computers in training, types of training, types of training by industry, development and delivery of training, instructional methods, and specific types of training. (CT)

Describes a study in which information was sought about the relationship between off-campus programs and state-level authorities and the extent of control that lies with either the institution or the state agency across the country. The methodology is presented and study findings discussed. (CT)

Describes multifacted role of a social worker in establishing a rural hospice care program in Cottage Grove, Oregon, a community of 8,000 inhabitants. Discusses program development, planning, coordination, and administration; problem identification and needs assessment; volunteer training; and client assessment and direct services. (NEC)