The Manhattan Transition Center provides supported employment for youth with mild to severe disabilities. Local enclave worksites staffed by teacher/paraprofessional teams place participants in jobs. Under the zero-reject policy, employers and service providers are responsible for participants' personal and work-related growth. (SK)

This national study of direct-care staff members working in 101 small community homes for people with mental retardation found an annual staff turnover rate of 57 percent and staff plans to remain in the care-provider position for an average of 5.4 years. Variables associated with both staff turnover rate and intended length of stay are…

In the slums of Medellin, Colombia, a program seeks to improve children's physical health, intellectual development, and self-concept through such activities as carpentry, breadmaking, and sports and literature clubs. These activities help develop ethical and moral values, planning and organizing skills, and a future orientation. (SK)

This literature review analyzes 47 studies and reports on the type and range of medical care, resources, and support services needed to maintain individuals with mental retardation in the community; health-related outcomes; barriers to the provision of community-based medical services; and availability and access to services. (Author/JDD)

An analysis of employment outcomes of 109 persons (mean age 28) with severe/profound mental retardation from over 90 local community programs indicated that 93 percent were competitively employed, with the mean wage being $3.63 per hour and mean hours of weekly employment being 22. Twelve months after placement, 81.5 percent of clients were still…

Review of 105 consecutive admissions of mentally ill patients to a British Hospital Rehabilitation Unit over 2 years showed relatively few were of the "long stay" variety and the overall number under age 65 had fallen. Most patients were admitted for sound clinical reasons after consideration of and sometimes trial of community…

Guidelines are offered to schools and communities for developing activities of a yearly Deaf Awareness Week. Topics covered should include general information about deafness; common myths and misunderstandings; information about sign languages; technologies available to deaf people; interpreting; and interaction among deaf and hearing students.…

Three years ago, a coalition of three Washington State districts, Peninsula, Tacoma, and Issaquah, began cooperating to help one another implement programs and policies fostering a service ethic. This article describes each district's progress at implementing its Project Service Leadership program. (MLH)

Assesses the effectiveness of a local antismoking contest in Bloomington (Minnesota) that was coordinated with a statewide campaign. Interviews were conducted with 218 local and 198 statewide participants. Finds that the local contest had a higher impact than the statewide contest. (FMW)

Described is a community Hobby and Interest Night which provides children and adults with an opportunity to display hobbies, collections, and interests. Such a program is particularly valuable for gifted students who are able to display their achievements, be exposed to new interests, and meet possible mentors and resource people. (DB)

This paper describes a continuing psychotropic drug review process at a community-based agency serving individuals with mental retardation. The goals of establishing data-based interdisciplinary team review, utilizing concurrent alternative treatments, and prescribing psychotropic medication at the lowest effective dosage only to those individuals…

Identifies reasons for corporate involvement in community programs of youth participation and development. Describes Latin American and Caribbean programs in which youth volunteerism in community development produces multiple returns on corporate support. Discusses characteristics of effective youth programs; forms of corporate support (cash,…

This study follows the concerns and stresses of four Australian people with mental retardation for five months as they moved out into a community-based supported accommodation. The transition was seen as a positive event which lowered stress, however, other issues gradually re-emerged and their perceived stress level soon rose again. (Author/CR)

Discusses three programs in which efforts are focused on reaching students with emotional and behavioral problems. The programs range from school-based partnerships and alternative schools to community programs. These programs address the needs of students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. (Author/MKA)

Presents a classification of community-based medical education. Distinguishes between programs developed primarily to provide services to underserved communities; programs with a research focus; and programs that have student clinical training as their primary goal. The taxonomy is intended to contribute to development of a theory of…