Choice making was studied among 7 students (ages 7-17) with Rett syndrome. Half the opportunities to choose food, beverage, and leisure items elapsed without a choice being made. Results suggest that the relationship between selecting and accepting items vary as a function of task configuration, and lack of choice may not necessarily indicate lack…

The effect of individualized, embedded choice opportunities in daily routines on the task initiations and protests by 1 man (age 50) with severe cognitive disabilities was investigated. When routines included opportunities for choice, household and personal care task initiations were high and protests were eliminated. (Author/SW)

Choice making in leisure-activity preferences was studied with a woman (age 27) with profound mental retardation in a residential setting. Results suggest the participant could express distinct musical preference when given choice-making opportunities, and preference patterns varied with the activity partner and/or the locale. (Author/SW)

Eight families deciding to use a feeding tube to meet the nutrition needs of their children with disabilities were interviewed over a two-year period. Family decision making in the context of quality of life was examined using a theoretical family systems model. Implications for future interventions are addressed. (Author/SW)

Forms of guardianship for U.S. individuals with disabilities are reviewed, and Swedish legal and public policy innovations that replace guardianship with personal support services, such as mentors and personal assistants, are considered. The impact of Sweden's reforms on autonomy, independence, and integration is addressed. (Author/SW)

This study evaluated a strategy for reducing severe problem behavior in an employment situation for three adults with mental retardation and autism. The strategy involved intervention based on hypotheses about the problem behavior's maintaining variables, multiple component intervention, and evaluation using a measure of latency to problem…

This article describes positive effects of modifying curricular activities in accordance with the individual interests of three elementary students with disabilities (including autism, mental retardation, and emotional/behavioral disorder). Students exhibited less problem behavior and more on-task responding in the modified activity condition. (DB)

This study examined the impact of educational placement in either general education or self-contained classrooms on the social life of 18 elementary-age students with severe disabilities. Results indicated that students placed in general education had more social contact with peers without disabilities, received more social support, and had…

Challenges to supported employment programs for people with disabilities include conversion of day programs to integrated work options, expansion of program capacity, the need to ensure consumer choice and self-determination, and the achievement of meaningful employment outcomes. Specific recommendations are offered for each challenge. (Author/DB)

The employment status of 117 transition age young adults with moderate, severe, or profound mental retardation was assessed. Findings indicated high unemployment rates of almost 88 percent, with only 14 persons holding competitive jobs in nonsheltered work environments. Wage accumulation was very limited. (Author/CL)