Interviews with the predominantly female staff of a Russian vocational teachers college revealed strong professional and personal commitment. Their sense of community and collective action is being threatened by growing uncertainty in the emerging market economy. (SK)

Examines the debate over competence ("I will do things satisfactorily in future because I have done in the past") versus capability ("I could do things in future because of certain qualities I have"). Describes the middle ground of capacity, defined as contextual intelligence, a spiral that links competence and capability. (SK)

The course evaluation process used by an Australian provider of vocational education and training was evaluated using guidelines suggested by the literature and feedback obtained from multiple stakeholders. The modified model has six phases: initiation, compliance, data collection, integrating, reporting, and dissemination. (SK)

Current training methods are not adequate to develop the level of communication skills needed in the workplace. Innovative methods drawn from theatre and educational drama, including using voice and body in communication and developing self-understanding, form the basis of integrated communication training. (SK)

Explains and supports the policy statement on assistive technology devices and services approved by the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. The need for the identification of appropriate assistive technology devices and services subsequent to examination of factors across multiple…

A study investigated effects of two intervention strategies (contextual and coworker) on the social interactions and integration with peers of five workers with mental retardation. Neither intervention had a significant impact on the frequency of interactions; however, it appeared that the presence of a job coach suppressed interaction rates.…

A study explored perceptions of 42 mothers of children with disabilities about the amount of instrumental and psychological support offered by maternal and paternal grandparents. Grandmothers were perceived to be more supportive than grandfathers and the mothers' parents were perceived to be more supportive than the fathers' parents. (Author/CR)

Support provided by 69 local churches to individuals with disabilities was studied through a mail survey. Results indicate that 56 of the churches were attended by individuals with developmental disabilities, and support was provided by churches in the form of food, transportation, opportunities for service to the church and the community, and…

The impact of computer-mediated technology on the preparation of 72 third-graders for inclusive classes was explored. Male students in a computer instruction group out-performed males in control and teacher instruction groups with respect to basic knowledge about students with mental retardation. There were no differences among female students.…

A study of a woman with deaf-blindness and severe mental retardation examined the potential decrease of problem behaviors by using functional assessment-based interventions applied in multiple natural environments throughout the day. Results found that increasing the amount of attention the woman received from program staff immediately eliminated…

A study utilized both Descriptive Analysis (DA) and Experimental Analysis (EA) to examine the function of aggressive and destructive behavior for a boy (age 9) with Down syndrome and moderate mental retardation. By linking the two methods, an intervention was designed that decreased the student's aggressive/destructive behavior. (Author/CR)

Four caregivers used a constant time delay procedure to teach leisure skills to four adolescents or adults with moderate or severe intellectual disabilities. A multiple probe designed across behaviors and replicated across leisure learners demonstrated the success of the participant-instructors in delivering systematic instruction. (Author/CR)

A study of five adults with severe mental retardation in a residential facility found that progressive time delay was effective in establishing a receptive repertoire of communicative gestures. Results of the study also found no differential training effect for known versus unknown gestures. (Author/CR)

Presents a position statement of the Board of Directors of the Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities that reviews the employment, preparation, and management of paraeducators. The statement addresses role definition, employment and management, legal and ethical responsibilities, job descriptions, paraeducator training, and…

People with developmental disabilities (n=781) living in institutional and community residential placements were asked what they would wish for if they had one wish. Results indicated individuals in state schools wished for more material goods and were more likely to want to move; wishes varied greatly by residential placement; and wish patterns…