The hypothesis explored is that autonomy in education and language learning is more significant than the ability to make responsible choices, relating more to exploration of the self-concept and to the realization of personal and group potential. Experiential learning is discussed in this context. (25 references) (Author/LB)

This article reports findings from a comprehensive examination of the self-determination of 408 adults with mental retardation. Analysis of variance identified severity of disability, current living arrangement, and primary caregiver status as predictive of differences in self-determination in this population. (Author/DB)

This article discusses the nature and extent of the problem of sexual abuse in community programs that serve people with mental retardation, as well as differing judicial approaches in assessing their ability to consent to sexual relations. Potential sources of provider liability for harm caused to program participants are explained. (Author/DB)

Curricular activity preference was determined for 3 students (ages 9-15) with moderate intellectual disabilities. Subsequent evaluation of the influence of activity preference on student behavior revealed that preferred activities were associated with reduced levels of problem behavior and increased levels of desirable behaviors. (Author/JDD)

This article examines the importance of self-determination for all people. A national survey of 4,544 adults with mental retardation concerning how independent, integrated, and productive they perceived themselves to be and how important each of these outcomes was to them revealed that people with mental retardation are not likely to be…

Explores the independent contribution of interpersonal relationships, parental attachment, and racial/ethnic identity to traditional-age undergraduate women's autonomy development, removing the effect of biographical correlates. Differences by race/ethnicity and by residence status in relationship to factors of autonomy are investigated.…

This study compared selection of a preferred reinforcing stimulus just prior to a training session by either the trainer or subject with profound developmental disabilities. Results obtained with four adult subjects indicated little or no difference in reinforcement effects when reinforcing stimuli were selected by subjects rather than trainers.…

Examined relationship of racial identity attitudes to psychosocial development of white and African-American traditional-age undergraduate female college students (n=320). Correlations found between racial identity attitudes and psychosocial development suggest two separate developmental processes for African-American undergraduate women and two…

This article examines the interpersonal relationships, community participation, and employment of 5 individuals with severe handicaps (ages 23 to 27) based on observations and interviews with key informants. Results indicated that subjects' lives were over simplified by rigidly controlled routines and schedules that fostered passivity and…

Although mentors are widely recommended as important career boosters who can aid people in their careers, there is growing concern about potential problems of mentoring relationships. Those aspiring to administrative positions in higher education need to understand both the advantages and the risks and must remember their responsibilities and…

Discusses the process by which individuals come to claim authority and assume responsibility for their moral thoughts, feelings, and actions. Examines links between narrative and moral experience. Suggests that the development of moral authority is enhanced when individuals make the words of others their own. (LB)

An intervention with two nonverbal elementary students with severe/profound mental retardation involved training the students to use badges showing play activities and then implementing use of the badges in a free play situation with nondisabled age-appropriate peers. Increased use of play organizers, initiations, and sharing resulted. (DB)

Competency-based models such as Britain's National Vocational Qualifications should not be adopted for adult education professional development. The values underlying competency models are incompatible with the values of reflective practice, such as ownership of curriculum and entitlement to lifelong learning. (SK)

Self-directed learning should be interpreted as part of a cultural tradition emphasizing individuals' standing against oppression. This involves recognizing that (1) political issues of control and power are at its heart and (2) authentic practice of self-directedness requires certain political conditions (access to resources). (SK)

This study of 164 adults with physical disabilities living in institutional care in Newcastle (United Kingdom) found an overall incidence figure of 59 such adults per 100,000 population. The study also found that less than 20% were able to exercise their right to a free choice and independent decision concerning their residential placement. (DB)