This reports presents results from a review of 38 published studies that measured behavioral outcomes associated with the movement of people with mental retardation from public institutions to community residential settings. Results demonstrate strongly and consistently that people who move from institutions to community settings have experiences…

This directory lists 500 organizations to help young people who want to share a special interest, make new friends, get more involved, or find out more about their future career goals. The directory is a guide to U.S. adult-sponsored, kid-targeted, national non-profit and for-profit organizations. The directory is easy to use, fully indexed, and…

This report discusses the outcomes of a South Dakota project designed to develop and validate a natural support system involving typical co-workers providing on the job training and support to individuals with disabilities. The Co-Worker Mentoring in Supported Employment (CMSE) project had the following outcomes: (1) job development activities…

Launched in 1994, Smart Start is the statewide early childhood initiative in North Carolina designed to ensure that every child "arrives at school healthy and ready to succeed." This guide provides a practical reference to the lessons learned from Smart Start as the program was developed and experienced from the local county partnership…

This report provides a brief overview highlighting why policymakers should expand the focus of school reform to encompass a reframing and restructuring of education support programs and services and school-community partnerships. The report also suggests ways to accomplish this. It is time for reform advocates to expand their emphasis on improving…

The years 1929 and 1930 were years of active growth among museums. New institutions were founded. New buildings were erected and many existing ones were enlarged. Educational work was extended and improved. The ranks of the profession were strengthened. Museum work was accorded greater recognition and gained significantly in value and…

There are many people of middle age in America still who do not believe in play. They grew up without playgrounds themselves and they do not realize how greatly conditions have changed during the intervening years. When the author was a boy in southern Michigan the school session in his country community was only four months a year. Under these…

Describes three community-based service-learning activities developed by the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Services. The interdisciplinary program provides field experience for medical and graduate students as well as community medical services for the elderly. Objectives and evaluations of the programs are presented. (Author/JAC)

Describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a training program in the primary prevention of childhood mental disorders for caregivers, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. Cites the program's positive impact, as measured by increases in participants' knowledge and skills. (Author/MJL)

Describes a cooperative project in which two-year students studying drama at the University of Cincinnati learned firsthand about theater production through volunteer work at the city's Playhouse in the Park. Discusses student and Playhouse staff reactions to the project and reveals plans for future implementation. (JP)

A meta-analysis of 11 studies examined findings regarding adaptive behavior gains of deinstitutionlized adults with mental retardation when placed in community-based programs. Results found studies involving persons with severe mental retardation exhibited larger gains, and the adaptive behaviors most influenced by community placement are those…

Reports on the results of a study of a community computing system, Prairienet. Examines characteristics of users and the extent to which Prairienet is serving its purpose as a community resource for networked communication and information access, through the analysis of usage patterns and logs. (Author/AEF)

Describes the development and baseline evaluation data from the Ozark Heart Health Project, a community-based cardiovascular disease risk reduction program in rural Missouri that targeted smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet. Several Ozark counties participated in either intervention or control groups, and researchers conducted surveillance…

An in-depth analysis of data on two restructured schools assessed the impact of school organization on programs that provide social, health, and career development services for at-risk students. The analysis illustrates that unless the services become an integrated part of a community of concerned adults, their potential is lessened. (SLD)

The Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD), a coalition of community action agencies, takes a regional approach to serving rural communities. Its programs focus on community and leadership development, early education and child care, and services and housing for seniors. Through COAD's Foster Grandparent Program, seniors mentor young…