Steps are outlined in the construction of two self-report assessment scales designed to measure general life satisfaction and leisure activity levels of developmentally disabled adults. The potential usefulness of a reliable, valid self-report instrument as a measurement tool in client programming is noted in the context of a review of similar existing scales for older nonhandicapped as well as developmentally disabled persons. The scale developed to measure life satisfaction used a 5-item multiple-choice format (happy-face-to-sad-face). Responses to the activity scale incorporated a frequency measure, and negatively as well as positively worded questions were included to minimize response bias. Each scale was administered to approximately 120 developmentally disabled clients (ages 50-85) and to knowledgeable informants (e.g., resident manager or day program supervisor). Among reported results were the following: (1) perceived health was significantly correlated with life satisfaction; (2) clients rated their own life satisfaction more highly than did informants; (3) there was a close correlation between clients' self-reported activity levels and informants' perceptions. Elements of the two scales requiring further testing and refinement are discussed. Thirty-seven references are provided. (JW)