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ERIC Number: ED389138
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1995-Jul
Pages: 9
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Socialization Program for Developmentally Disabled Deaf Adults.
Donnelly, Carole
This paper describes the need for and the structure of a socialization program designed to provide a social environment for five deaf adults with developmental disabilities residing in two different group homes. The program was developed to address the isolation experienced by such adults living in a community with others who do not use sign language. The program's focus was on fostering socialization among group members and strengthening participants' poor sign language skills. The program involved weekly group sessions in which five new signs were introduced and practiced in a social context, often a group game. Other activities included community dinners and outings. Attendance by group home staff members at some sessions led to staff gaining some sign language skill. An unsuccessful effort to teach the residents signed English led to adoption and use of American Sign Language. The program has been very successful, with enthusiastic involvement by participants. Staff at the group homes and the sheltered workshop where the residents work also report more positive attitudes and fewer discipline problems. (DB)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the International Congress on Education of the Deaf (18th, Tel Aviv, Israel, July 16-20, 1995).