A training program to promote links between the developmental disabilities system and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) is described. Objectives were to promote service delivery and the professional development of minorities in the developmental disabilities field. Three regional workshops in Alabama, Texas, and Virginia were…

Competitive employment for individuals with developmental disabilities is the ultimate goal in defining vocational success. Employment training programs for the mentally retarded have often focused on pre-vocational lock-step prerequisite skills rather than on a functional methodology that is skill specific. In contrast, the concept of ecological…

The paper describes the GEL (Guidelines for Early Learning) Program developed by the Easter Seal Society of Southwest Florida which serves children, aged 4-6 years, with language, learning, and/or developmental problems. Developmental theories of Piaget and Chomsky and the model of David Weikart's High Scope Program were used to develop the GEL…

The study surveyed 181 specialized foster care homes or small (with 6 or fewer residents) group homes providing residential care for persons (N=336) with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. The study found that the community residential facility sample was generally much less well integrated into the life of the community…

This paper presents data collected from rehabilitation centers serving individuals with developmental disabilities in Minnesota, called Developmental Achievement Centers (DACs). The data focus on finances, programs, and clients, and are compared with data from previous years. All 97 providers of adult services in Minnesota completed the survey,…

This resource guide looks at five areas in which freedom of choice can be increased for people with developmental disabilities: assessing needs, planning for services, evaluating services, understanding the service system, and self-advocacy. Needs are assessed through home interviews, personal updates, neighborhood surveys, evaluation of likes and…

Historically, in the field of developmental disabilities, the place of residence determines the level of support provided. This has led to a situation in which the more home-like the residence, the less public financial support it receives. The more disabled an individual is and the more difficulties that individual presents, the further he or she…

The monograph examines the status and needs of state family support efforts over the last decade, based on interviews with 83 people in state Developmental Disabilities Councils and various state agencies. An introductory section provides an historical context for family support, presents a synthesis of state family support efforts, and delineates…

This boxed set includes eight booklets of home activities for early intervention for young children with developmental delays. The first book provides an introduction to the program and its implementation, lists 23 resources, describes a videotape which supplements the booklets, and includes a glossary. Book 2 covers how to select goals for the…

The book's practical classroom strategies and activities are designed to help teachers individualize instruction for children with developmental ages of 3-7 years. Part I offers suggestions for organizing the special educator's schedule and workload (including such topics as reviewing the individualized education program, developing a weekly…

Recent litigation indicates that physicians and institutions can be held financially liable for injuries resulting from the use of psychotropic drugs. Several cases have established guidelines regarding the use of pyschotropic drugs, involving: review of drug regimens; upkeep and review of written records; and prescription and administration of…

This independent living skills curriculum addresses the needs of developmentally handicapped students ages 13-19. Designed to supplement the existing curriculum, nine units focus on the following skill areas: social skills (self-esteem, self-identity, social communication and interaction, goal development, problem solving, developing sexual…

The curriculum guide consists of a set of assessment tools, curriculum decision guidelines, instructional recommendations, and sample activities focused on teaching basic social and communication skills to children with autism and severe developmental handicaps. Section One provides an introductory discussion of issues related to effective…

The final report describes Un Bien Comienzo, a 3-year model demonstration project which provided early intervention services for infants at risk and young children with mild/moderate disabilities who have working parents and are in day care. The project is a program of Rosemount Center (Washington, D.C.), a multicultural, bilingual day care center…

This project summary focuses on the emerging social policy trend toward providing services which assist families in providing home care for their developmentally disabled family members, rather than encouraging out-of-home placement. Three project objectives encompass the issues of innovative approaches to family involvement in caring for disabled…