This qualitative study used questionnaires, interviews, and observations to assess what having children with disabilities means to three families. The disabilities include severe mental retardation and seizure disorder, Down syndrome, and neurofibromatosis. Interview data were categorized into the following five areas: the children,…

This monograph presents identified best practices in the development of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) as required for families who have young children with disabilities, by Public Law 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments (1986). Chapter One presents an overview of the monograph's development and use. Chapter Two…

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 booklet discusses the impact and treatment of the two craniosynostosis syndromes (Apert and Crouzon), which involve the premature fusion of skull sutures, are usually identified at birth, and require years of treatment. It is noted that children with Apert syndrome may have some degree of mental retardation while children with Crouzon…

New Futures, founded in 1987, is a multicity foundation-funded initiative designed to reduce the school dropout rate, teen pregnancies, and youth unemployment. The foundation's expectations for a 5-year agenda and program strategies are described in this implementation guide. Based on institutional change, the project utilizes community…

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…

This manual is designed for use by staff development personnel and other trainers in presenting an orientation to independent living programing for rehabilitation agencies and other human service organizations. The three chapters in unit 1 define independent living, identify the major historic events contributing to the development of independent…

While continuing education is vital to all practicing social workers, human service workers in rural areas that are undergoing rapid change due to energy development may face particular problems in obtaining additional training and education. When rural areas become boom towns and social disturbances increase, human services personnel generally…

With an increase in the need for education for individuals to function effectively in an information society, the pressure for human services providers to accept additional responsibilities to educate more of their clients has been recognized. However, professionals in education, allied health, mental health, and social work have not conceived…

A report of a project that established systems of respite care and training of parents who have developmentally disabled members in their home is presented. Attention is directed to project objectives, activities, and outcomes and to the following specific components: collection and analysis of data on factors promoting utilization and…

This curriculum was developed to give adult basic education (ABE) teachers starting points for developing their own units around housing-related issues. The texts have been chosen thematically, rather than by skill level. The materials are designed for group work--oral reading and discussion. Readings focus on housing repairs, court procedures,…

The evolution of educational support services at California State University (CSU) is described, and a student services master plan is proposed. Thirty recommendations for improving services, better integrating them into the system, and ensuring that they meet the needs of today's students and those enrolling in the future are presented, including…

In spite of the availability of vocational classes, many barriers still stand in the way of the low-income or unemployed single parent who would like to take advantage of this training. Problems include child care, transportation, and tuition cost. The Vocational Education Support Program for Single Parents and Homemakers at Lindsey-Hopkins…

This handbook is designed to assist instructors in training human service workers who come into contact with older adults. The 250 case studies are actual cases collected by research staff in the field. Suggestions are offered for a variety of methods the instructors may use in presenting the cases. Recommendations are made for forming working…