This edition of the newsletter of the National Information Center for Handicapped Children and Youth explains the meaning of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and shows how it can be put into operation not only in school but throughout the life of a disabled person. Brief articles have the following titles: "The Least Restrictive Environment:…

The Independent Living Project for Deaf/Blind Youth emphasized the teaching of home management, personal management, social/emotional skills, work skills, and communication skills to increase low-functioning teenagers' autonomy. The project included an independent living apartment in which a video monitoring system was used for indirect…

This protocol is designed to help plan and carry out meetings between persons with disabilities and those who are responsible for assisting them in making choices about their future services. It was developed to quantify and define some of the issues involved in having Illinois individuals who are eligible for relocation from nursing facilities…

Evaluation of effects of moving mentally disabled individuals from a British National Health Service hospital into community group homes found much overlap between the institutions' caring routines and practices with the community hostel setting, providing only slightly more opportunities for personal choice, privacy, personalization, integration,…

This article discusses the importance of social validity and quality of life concerns in identifying meaningful outcomes for the education of students with severe and multiple disabilities. The article stresses the need for outcomes to result in participation in daily routines and in the student's having more meaningful control over personal…

The report, which is part of a series, provides an analysis of approximately 100 documents focusing on education, employment, and independent living outcomes across 10 handicapping conditions, including those students considered to be disadvantaged. Document summaries are organized by the 3 outcome areas and 11 conditions (learning disabled,…

This guide was developed to assist families and professionals working with people having severe disabilities to improve the overall quality of life these individuals experience. An introduction contrasts new attitudes (such as emphasizing individual strengths and personal control and autonomy) with existing practices which often focus on students'…

This guide examines the evolution of human services systems toward the recognition that individuals with handicaps can make consumer choices and should be included in decision-making sessions. Consumers with disabilities are seeking empowerment through their presence and participation in political processes and community events. Choices regarding…