This paper presents an example of "optimistic research," a qualitative approach which focuses on positive interventions helpful to practitioners, in this case an examination of programs successfully integrating people with severe disabilities. The study evaluated 40 programs through site visits which focus on observation, interviews, and…

This information package compiles several resources for supporting children and teens with severe disabilities in integrated recreation/leisure activities. The package contains: (1) an overview article by Pam Walker titled "Supports for Children and Teens with Developmental Disabilities in Integrated Recreation/Leisure Activities," with…

This research project sought to identify, at a local community level, the needs and concerns of American Indians with disabilities. The selected target community was Denver, Colorado, and its surrounding metropolitan area. Data were collected through 100 face-to-face interviews with a volunteer population of American Indians with disabilities. The…

The report presents 10 brief issue papers that focus on improving Illinois state planning and administrative functions for the ultimate purpose of improving conditions for Illinois citizens with disabilities. Common themes include more active involvement of the disabled themselves and their families in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of…

The papers selected for this reader represent the broad range of "practice oriented" interests, problems, populations, and interventions found in both rural social work and at the Seventh National Institute. Section 1 contains four papers which deal with program development and community practice, i.e., planning social services in a…

Intended for community leaders (public and private) and also for correctional leaders, this resource guide outlines the design of a model community-operated program to provide comprehensive services for the employment and training of ex-offenders. An introduction provides historical perspective and discusses the relationship between crime and…

The National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges' Kellogg Commission notes the perception that "despite the resources and expertise available on our campuses, our institutions are not well organized to bring them to bear on local problems in a coherent way." This article suggests some organizational patterns and…

This report outlines the major rural development programs and initiatives of the Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies. Diverse economic realities make necessary differential rural development policies and programs. The federal budget deficit makes it necessary that the government use creative and efficient management techniques to…

This report presents findings from a national survey of secondary and postsecondary institutions offering vocational education that sought to determine state and local response to the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act. The study involved qualitative case studies of state and local programs as well as a national survey of local vocational…

There are others in the community besides lawyers and police officers who can serve as useful resource persons in law-related education (LRE). Business people, representatives of civic groups, and others can offer students interesting perspectives on the law. School partnerships with civic and community groups can result in several desirable…

This volume presents the proceedings of a seminar concerned with community care for the chronically mentally ill. After an introductory overview by Ira Iscoe, the first section consists of the following major addresses, presentations, and commissioned papers: (1) "The Community as the Primary Locus of Care for Persons with Serious Long-Term…

This guide contains teaching/learning activities for Oklahoma teachers and counselors to use in helping students at all levels to explore career options. The first two sections of the guide discuss use of the National Career Development Guidelines by counselors and teachers, provide a directory of regional career development specialists, and…

Methodologies for evaluating/documenting partnership programs are analyzed and options for evaluating/documenting OERI's Educational Partnerships Program (EPP) are proposed. The EPP supports alliances between public schools and/or higher education and the private sector to encourage excellence in education. This paper reflects…

A 1988-89 national survey examined faculty community service by asking 142 faculty members specializing in higher education, community college education, or adult education two questions: what kinds of service the faculty members provide to two-year colleges and why they engage in these activities. Service was defined as anything a…

This report deals with essential life skills for young adolescents. At present, there is a need to formally and systematically teach middle and junior high school students life skills for surviving, living with others, and succeeding in a complex society. An introductory section is followed by a discussion of early adolescent development and life…