Responses to a 40-item questionnaire distributed to 50 mildly mentally retarded (MR) adults indicate that the majority possess accurate information about MR, hold realistic attitudes toward their own needs and abilities, and advocate community integration of the retarded. (Author/JG)

Reports on a survey of 388 Indiana vocational educators that determined their (1) education and experience, (2) involvement with handicapped learners, and (3) attitudes regarding handicapped learners. Most educators had several years teaching experience and a master's degree. However, they had little experience with handicapped learners. (CH)

Describes a student identification and monitoring system developed to help students with unique learning needs make the transition through postsecondary vocational education programs. Focuses on the Theory of Educational Adjustment. (CH)

The authors report results from a national survey on participation of disabled people in apprenticeship. Results indicate that disabled persons comprise 2 percent of the total apprentice population. Exemplary programs and practices are described. The authors present implications and recommendations drawn from the study results. (CH)

In designing programs for parent involvement, it is important to consider the stress of the parent, the parent's developmental level, and the needs of the parent. A range of parent involvement activities should be offered. (JOW)

The author discusses five ideas that he has found helpful in addressing the individual needs of troubled youth in vocational training. Topics include (1) following a prevocational concept in curriculum development, (2) teaching good work habits, (3) using nonverbal instruction, (4) building self-esteem through cooperative learning, and (5) trying…

Describes how Ohio has adapted the home economics curriculum for programs serving single parents to meet the special needs of this population. Discusses funding and state-level activities. (CH)

Compared elderly parents with national sample of parents in childbearing years with respect to satisfactions and dissatisfactions of having children. Both groups saw children as satisfying needs for love, companionship, fun, and stimulation. Older group was more likely than younger group to report children fulfilling economic-utility needs.…

Examined the psychological condition of 126 teachers of emotionally disturbed children. Results indicated teachers who were not humanistic in their teaching approach and who were burned out were significantly more dissatisfied and frustrated and believed their needs were either being ignored or subverted. Burned-out teachers reported significantly…

This article addresses the concept of "special needs" as it applies to health promotion and disease prevention. The three sections of this article deal with three special subgroups of the general population: the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with cultural heritages that are not the same as the majority population's. (Author/CT)

Describes currently active rural women's consciousness-raising group in eastern Nebraska, relating this group's experiences to a model of group development. Emphasizes group process and content evidenced as the group was established and passed through beginning, conflict, and cohesive stages of development. Relates changes in participants' values…

Reports the extent to which survey respondents considered 10 variables as barriers to provision of mental health services to individuals with severe physical disability. Results indicated that these individuals are an underserved group and that there are several major barriers to adequate mental health services for this population, including…

Adult children who return home are responding to unemployment and financial need, but factors such as dependence, protection needs, and parental happiness appear to be involved in long-term stays. This paper combines survey data to identify factors for successful living arrangements, and areas of conflict and dissatisfaction. (Author/NRB)

Discusses five developmental needs of adolescents and explains how they contribute to an "instrumental approach" to the selection of library materials. Highlights include traditional attitudes of librarians; place of popular culture in libraries; popular culture media as arbitrators of behaviors; and heroes, mass media, and reading.…

The unique yet common needs of disabled students are highlighted and school counselors are challenged to humanistically encourage these students through expanded developmental programming. Suggestions for expanding the role of the school counselor are given. (Author/BL)