The impact of a unique, federally funded legal advocacy system on service delivery within a New Mexico state residential care facility for the mentally retarded is examined. Judicial attempts to improve institutional service provision are discussed. Some implications for further use of similar advocacy programs are presented. (Author/CL)

The author reviews the human, ethical, political, legal, and professional issues involved in the case of a 16-year old institutionalized Down's Syndrome youth, Philip Becker, whose parents refused surgery to correct a heart defect. He reviews the advocacy role of the American Association on Mental Deficiency and suggests future directions. (CL)

Summarizes lessons learned from listening to individuals with disabilities at the fourth National Self-Advocacy Conference, "The Beat Goes On: Rhythms of the Self-Advocacy Movement." Discusses the views of the organization, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered, which addresses ways to support people who are in institutions and specific strategies for…

Described are the organization and functioning of a multi purpose ethical review board in a residential facility for the developmentally disabled designed to act as a safeguard against inhumane treatment and violations of residents' rights. (CL)

Results of questionnaire data from 98 consumer groups in the United States and Canada are reported in terms of characteristics of local chapters, participants, and change occurring as a result of group involvement. Findings suggest the viability of the self-help/self-advocacy consumer movement for persons with mental retardation. (Author/CL)

Four recommendations are provided for developing self-advocacy in individuals with mental retardation, to support national and local advocacy organizations. Guidelines include making specific and concrete recommendations, expressing one's needs, appreciating all stakeholders' limits, and appreciating that change is often slow. (PB)

A table lists the total number of self-advocacy organizations for people with developmental disabilities, by state, for the years 1990, 1993, and 1995. The total number of such organizations grew from 374 in 1990 to 743 in 1995. (DB)

The ombudsman model offers large residential facilities for the mentally retarded a way of meeting the needs of the people who live there and monitoring institutional dysfunction. (JG/Author)

Suggestions are provided for mental retardation service providers interested in closer cooperation with the self-advocacy movement. Tips emphasize sharing information, establishing local self-advocacy groups, encouraging convention participation, encouraging staff involvement, listening to consumers, and listening to the voices of the…

Comparison of the different advocacy roles of Helen Keller and Burton Blatt finds that Helen Keller's role supports the belief in miracles resulting from unconditional and sustained commitments, whereas Burton Blatt's role illustrates the value of a commitment to human rights and human dignity regardless of any expectation of productivity or…

The president of the American Association on Mental Retardation examines progress in four areas of mental retardation, for individuals with mental retardation, the nation, the Association, and all individuals. The four areas are choice, advocacy, supports, and equity. (DB)

Interviews with 22 adults with mental retardation suggest that, although they and other individuals with mental retardation have participated in various roles in research and training, there are many barriers to meaningful consumer involvement (such as professional jargon) and there is a need to bring out individuals' strengths and capabilities.…

This essay reflects on the publication's symposium on rules in residential environments, discussing points of agreement among authors and attempting to place them within a broader perspective of Rulers and the Ruled or They and We. A call is made for advocacy and involvement beyond the publication of journal articles. (PB)

This study investigated co-worker involvement between 341 supported employees with various levels of mental retardation and their nondisabled co-workers. Results indicated that co-workers interacted extensively with the employees who had mental retardation, especially in advocacy, evaluation, and training roles. (Author/JDD)

A man with a developmental disability discusses the self-advocacy movement, the cruelty of stigmatizing labels such as "mentally retarded," and the need for greater involvement in professional organizations such as the American Association on Mental Retardation. He proposes a joint conference with a self-advocacy organization. (DB)