Reviews methodological weaknesses of studies that evaluate alternative settings and programs for long-term care of the elderly. Argues that research should provide better information and present options to clients, service providers, and policymakers, rather than studying whether one alternative is more effective than another. (Author/MJL)

This vignette from the author's book, "The Reform of the Asylum: Between Conscience and Convenience in Progressive America," provides historical evidence of resistance to community placement of the mentally disabled. Resistance is due to the social convenience of custodial care and the self-interest of institutions and their employees.…

Sets the case for the contribution of educational broadcasting in the context of access to recurrent education. Shows how local radio can and does attract to serious study many who do not normally participate in adult education classes. (Author/CSS)

Discusses how groups that include early childhood educators can create dynamic support services to combat homelessness. Covers causes of homelessness and the needs of homeless families and their young children, and presents several strategies to develop effective services for them. Emphasizes parental involvement, school and community…

Examined why preschoolers struggle to learn sexual abuse prevention concepts that children a few years older learn easily. Determined that preschoolers need programs produced specifically for them, programs that are developmentally graduated, present concepts in a logical order, ensure comprehension, and utilize audio-visual production features…

This article discusses providing students with significant disabilities the opportunity to participate in meaningful, age-appropriate learning experiences in postsecondary settings during their final years of school. A sample schedule of a participating student is provided, along with steps for developing alternative options for students with…

Notes that summer school has been affected by current curricular reform and high stakes testing. Describes an innovative summer school program, created through transformational teacher leadership, that developed a new vision for integrated curriculum--one that revolved around rebuilding a boat. Presents implications for both an integrated academic…

Reviews critical factors in successful language transmission and acquisition, factors responsible for language maintenance and renewal. Considers theoretical issues underlying communities' maintenance and renewal efforts and the reflection of those issues in practical goal-setting plans that outline desired plans that outline language maintenance…

Recounts the experiences of a social worker in a typical normalization project and then at L'Arche--a community of group homes for the mentally retarded, "assistants," and their families. Emphasizes friendship in an approach to rehabilitation services based on the premises of experiential education. (SV)

Describes "program without walls" for developing community services in rural areas. Emphasizes importance of creative collaboration and redesign of traditional support programs to offer comprehensive community services tailored to needs of rural families and individuals. Suggests practical applications of "without walls" model. (Author/TES)

A survey of 41 residential schools for blind people found a variety of services offered to local day school programs including professional development services, special intervention programs, preschool services, summer school programs, and book, equipment, and supplies services. (DB)

Research demonstrates that children develop psychological "resilience" through the fostering of certain protective factors in their lives. Youth programs can promote development of these protective factors by helping children build attachments to adults and others and develop social competence and by providing meaningful participation in…

Discusses the goals of public libraries in the 1990s: (1) to provide recreational reading materials, and (2) to provide information. Presents a model that divides library services into community resource centers, which focus on community education based on community needs, and local information centers where information can be accessed…

A benefit-cost analysis was conducted to compare services for 11 individuals with severe mental retardation and challenging behaviors who had been moved from an institution to a community setting. Overall, the community-based program costs represented slight public savings over costs in the state institution. Less quantifiable benefits were also…

Parents (n=121) of children with emotional/behavioral disorders were surveyed to obtain their perceptions of contacts with service agencies and views on design and implementation of comprehensive services. Overall, parents viewed the services favorably. Concerns focused on obtaining information about community services, finding recreational…