Although older people with developmental disabilities are living longer and appearing more often as social work clients, this population has not been included in preparation for practice with older clients. Issues include relationships within and outside the family, resource availability, and care policies. A model for infusion of these issues…

An investigation was conducted in Australia of 156 individuals with developmental disabilities who were long-term clients of a residential institution, to determine the incidence of hepatitis C antibodies. Results indicated that none of the residents was seropositive and that hepatitis C is less prevalent than hepatitis B in residential…

A questionnaire queried 203 international professionals working in the area of mental retardation/developmental disabilities to assess the meaning of 10 quality of life (QOL) concepts across seven cultures. Differences found between Japan and the other countries are discussed in terms of individualistic and collective cultures. (Author/CR)

This article explains and supports the policy statement on consent recently approved by the Board of Directors of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Provides ethical and practical suggestions for dealing with issues of consent among adults with mental and developmental…

Adaptive behavior was measured over time in 70 children, ages 1 to 12 years, with fragile X syndrome. With a mean of 4.4 assessments per child, adaptive behavior skills increased steadily and gradually over time. Children with less autistic behavior and higher percentages of the fragile X mental retardation gene protein showed better performance…

Examined the benefits of volunteerism for people with disabilities as well as their non-disabled peers and the agency in which they served. Participants were college students who were matched with adolescents from a local school for students with disabilities. After two semesters of volunteer work for a local museum, benefits were discussed and…

Used time-in and time-out to reduce undesirable behaviors exhibited by a child with severe language disabilities and by a child with a moderate mental disability combined with cerebral palsy. Unwanted behaviors were reduced dramatically shortly after the initiation of intervention. Follow-ups indicated a continued high rate of compliance. (RJM)

A study examined recidivism among 252 clients (ages 15-59) with developmental disabilities in a case management program. Overall, 40% were arrested while in the program and 34% were arrested within 6 months after case closure. Clients who completed the program (n=115) were less likely to be arrested after case closure. (Contains references.)…

Describes a peer support approach to evaluating outcomes within supported employment programs for people with developmental disabilities. Presents a case study of one Canadian county agency's experience with peer support evaluation and draws several lessons from the implementation experience of several agencies. (SLD)

Activity coaches from university teacher education and health education programs were trained to use individualized accommodations to help six children (ages 6-13) with developmental disabilities participate in community recreation activities. Children participated in swim classes or gymnastics at individualized levels, expressed enjoyment, and…

The employment outcomes of 1,550 developmentally disabled individuals receiving supported employment services through 96 local programs in 8 states were analyzed. Results indicated that all groups of individuals, regardless of their primary disability, benefited from supported employment participation, especially those individuals receiving…

Human service organizations provide educational opportunities to clients as well as their staffs. Examples of their role in building learning communities include (1) integrating the developmentally disabled; (2) preventing sickness and ensuring wellness; (3) building school-based learning; (4) reaching out to immigrants; and (5) rehabilitating…

In anticipation of an increased role in facilitating the balance of long term care (LTC) resources for the developmentally disabled, a generic but comprehensive framework for addressing LTC can be incorporated into the social work curriculum. The framework is neither age- nor etiology-specific, but can be used with any population. (Author/MSE)

Considers evidence concerning the educational benefits of mainstreaming. Provides historical background for mainstreaming in the United States and the United Kingdom. Identifies five assumptions underlying efforts to improve education for handicapped children. Urges that rigorous investigations be conducted in these five key areas. (KO)

Since children with symptomatic HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection show a variety of neurodevelopmental impairments including mental retardation and motor abnormalities as well as a variety of clinical courses, rehabilitative services must be established to meet the complex needs of this growing population. (Author/DB)