Analysis of interviews with 41 service providers (20 deaf, 21 hearing) who worked together at three British organizations found deaf and hearing individuals had differing perspectives on the integrated working experience and the use of sign language in the work setting. Deaf/hearing relations were perceived as largely person-centered by deaf…

This longitudinal study predicted retention from academic integration, social integration, and commitment to remain in college in a sample of first-year students at a residential, private research university. When assessed separately, first semester reports of commitment mediated the effects of both academic and social integration on retention six…

Knowledge work today is entirely different, and knowledge professionals such as faculty must be allowed to engage in scholarship, teaching, and service cyclically, not simultaneously. Institutional mechanisms must support social integration of knowledge as they now support research and teaching. (SK)

This study investigated the use of "natural supports" in the workplace in tandem with supported employment services for employees with severe disabilities. Analysis of data from 462 people in eight states on how "typical" the individual's employment setting was found that incorporating "typical" employment features in workplaces was associated…

A study demonstrated the effectiveness of a three-phase treatment package for determining setting preferences and for teaching three adults with severe mental retardation to express their choice between settings for similar leisure activities. Participants learned to use objects associated with different settings to communicate their choices.…

The Young Adult Learners Project focuses on personal development and social inclusion through a curriculum emphasizing these topics: self-management, using information, rights and responsibilities, relationships, support, risks, self-knowledge, coping with feelings, and beliefs. Mentors play a key role in guidance and assessment. (SK)

This study first classified empirical measures that have been used to assess the social integration of employees with disabilities. It then aggregated findings describing social interaction patterns in employment. Ten categories of measures of social interaction were identified and occurrence of social interaction was found to vary by…

This article introduces a special issue dedicated to the mental and psychological health issues relevant to Mexican Americans or Chicanas/os. It identifies areas of research that reflect unifying themes, such as service delivery issues, influence of stereotypes, and the role of ethnic identity in psychological health. The goal is to raise…

This article comments on a study that used functional assessment to reduce behavior problems in a child with multiple disabilities (Kern and Vorndran, 2000). It suggests additional principles need to be incorporated into an expanded model if functional assessment is to have a truly positive influence on naturalistic treatment planning. (Contains…

Immigrant Chinese students (N=400) completed a questionnaire examining the relationship between psychological adjustment and cultural identity as determined by the strength of identification with their own ethnic group and mainstream society. Adolescents who were integrated had higher self-esteem than peers who were separated or marginalized.…

The social development of a female rhesus monkey was followed from birth until death, age 32 months. The monkey had an extra autosome and was hydrocephalic. The monkey showed serious motor deficiencies, delayed social development, poorly established dominance relationships, and heavy dependence on mother and kin. The monkey was, however, well…

This study of three high school students with severe disabilities in regular education classes found that regular class participation was an important source for meeting peers without disabilities who subsequently became members of students' social networks. Perceived quality of social contacts was not dependent on initial contact being made…

Reviews two dominant mechanisms for increasing multiculturalism within the undergraduate curriculum; philosophical differences among those advocates of multicultural curricular reform who perceive diversity as a critical perspective and those who perceive diversity as variety; and four structural constraints likely to affect diversity efforts:…

Considers the role played by imprisonment in relation to homelessness in particular and to marginal society participation in general. Observations are offered about the concept of the "underclass," and an analysis of the impact of current British social policies on the life course is provided, with special focus on young offenders. (JPS)

A woman with a developmental disability discusses self-advocacy, the need for self-advocates to be involved in professional organizations, and the need for professionals and society at large to be more inclusive in their attitudes and behaviors. (DB)