This paper addresses the issues of molar versus molecular assessment of integration of people with disabilities, definitions of integration, and assessment in measuring integration. Measures for four integration components are presented: (1) physical integration, (2) social integration, (3) relationships, and (4) social networks. (Author/DB)

This preliminary study of the Neighborhood Living Project summarizes daily counts of integration activities for 50 mentally retarded residents from 8 supported living sites over an average of 2 years. Integration opportunities varied as a function of where the resident lived but not of level of mental retardation or number of disabilities.…

This study with 39 secondary students with severe disabilities integrated into regular programs in either home schools or cluster programs found that the proportion of students residing outside the normal school boundaries and the percent of students classified as Severely Multiply Handicapped were both negatively associated with both in-school…

The study with 60 mildly retarded students (at elementary, junior, and senior high levels) found that elementary level retarded students and students in primarily segregated settings rated peers (both retarded and nonretarded) more negatively than did older students or students in primarily integrated settings. Junior high students, however,…

This study found little actual integration resulting from placement of 16 high school age students with severe multiple disabilities in special education classrooms within regular high schools. Guidelines for evaluating the integration of students are offered including a two-pronged test and examples of data appropriate for evaluating integration…

This study employed direct observation to assess social interaction patterns of eight employees with severe disabilities and seven without disabilities in a supported employment setting. Variance was substantial among individual employees. Although patterns of interaction were similar between groups, statistically significant differences were…

Characteristics of community activities and social support networks of 27 adults with mental retardation living in semi-independent apartments were compared to those of 27 similar adults without mental retardation. Among findings was that retarded adults did not perceive themselves as socially isolated though their actual social integration was…

The study compared the attitudes of 216 college students who saw a slide presentation of a mentally retarded woman participating in either the Special Olympics or typical community recreational activities. Students who saw the Special Olympics slide presentation regarded the woman as younger and felt she should be in more segregated school and…

Perceived quality of life was compared among 10 individuals with disabilities in supported community employment, 10 individuals in sheltered workshops, and 9 individuals without disabilities. Supported community employment was positively related to number of leisure activities, self-esteem, use of leisure time, involvement in activities, mobility,…

This study examined the social interactions and activities of 15 workers with mental retardation employed in supported competitive employment positions and 15 co-workers. Although the supported employees and co-workers did not differ in the total number of interactions, co-workers interacted more frequently during breaktime whereas supported…

Issues in the development of appropriate curricula for elementary students who are mildly mentally retarded are discussed. Emphasis is on the concept of "subsequent environments as an attitude" and on variables that may influence vertical (e.g., preschool and middle school transitions) and horizontal (including social and curricular integration)…

Analysis of data from direct observations of 12 special education teachers found that, compared to simply providing children with opportunities to play, consistent implementation of specific teaching, planning, and monitoring procedures to promote social interaction resulted in greater increases in children's interactions during free play.…

The social relationships and leisure activities of a representative national sample of 336 persons with mental retardation living in 181 small foster or group homes were evaluated. Findings indicated these subjects were integrated into the community and had typical life experiences, though their lifestyles lacked depth and breadth. (Author/DB)

This study surveyed the beliefs and attitudes of a Colorado school district personnel regarding the inclusion of all students. Responses (n=246) indicated significant differences between attitudes of elementary and secondary teaching staff, a need for more time for cooperative planning, and that the issue of inclusion had created tensions among…

Interviews with 34 persons with developmental disabilities in supported employment indicated that the majority liked their jobs, were satisfied with the help that their job coach had provided, had a voice in choosing their job, would rather work in the community than attend a workshop, and reported having friends at work. (Author/JDD)