The book is unique in two distinct ways. First, it focuses on improving quality of life in contrast to other books that have tended to focus more on its conceptualization and assessment. Second, it deals with improving quality of life in a variety of disabled populations, not just one, and includes chapters on people with chronic mental or physical conditions and those without disabilities at all (i.e. so-called normal people). The book outlines some of the challenges and controversies in the quality-of-life domain and attempts to synthesize the key issue and to draw generalizable conclusions. The book is mainly for university students and faculty and practitioners from various disciplines working in the field. It will also interest those members of the general public who wish to improve their own quality of life or that of their relatives or friends.

First published in 1984, Integrated Programmes for Handicapped Adolescents and Adults explores the need to develop integrated programmes for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities. Whilst the training models and concepts examined largely relate to formal areas of education, such as reading, mathematics, and writing, the book also pays close attention to social education skills, including home management, budgeting, meal preparation, and the development of positive familial relationships. Integrated Programmes for Handicapped Adolescents and Adults presents a number of projects from different parts of the world, with an emphasis on linking research and practice.

First published in 1984, Management and Administration of Rehabilitation Programmes addresses issues in management and administration across a wide range of areas relating to the education, welfare, and quality of life of those with disabilities. The book covers a variety of topics, including employment, the establishment of service priorities, and the evaluation of services and promotion of innovation. In each case, problems in management and administration are highlighted and explored. Management and Administration of Rehabilitation Programmes will be of interest to administrators and students of the history of special education.

First published in 1988, Quality of Life for Handicapped People examines developments and innovations in research and practice concerning the quality of life for those with disabilities. The book centres on the topic of rehabilitation education, with a particular focus on issues relating to quality of life, including what is meant by ‘quality of life’ and the measures and systems required to assess the variables involved. It highlights the significance of rehabilitation education in underlining the key issue of how individuals feel about themselves and how they perceive the services available to them for the purpose of rehabilitation. It considers the importance of environment and the improvement of environment in increasing quality of life, and examines a range of vocational and social programmes from a variety of perspectives. Quality of Life for Handicapped People will be of use to those with an interest in the history and development of rehabilitation education.

First published in 1988, Quality of Life for Handicapped People examines developments and innovations in research and practice concerning the quality of life for those with disabilities. The book centres on the topic of rehabilitation education, with a particular focus on issues relating to quality of life, including what is meant by 'quality of life' and the measures and systems required to assess the variables involved. It highlights the significance of rehabilitation education in underlining the key issue of how individuals feel about themselves and how they perceive the services available to them for the purpose of rehabilitation. It considers the importance of environment and the improvement of environment in increasing quality of life, and examines a range of vocational and social programmes from a variety of perspectives. Quality of Life for Handicapped People will be of use to those with an interest in the history and development of rehabilitation education.

First published in 1984, Integrated Programmes for Handicapped Adolescents and Adults explores the need to develop integrated programmes for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities. Whilst the training models and concepts examined largely relate to formal areas of education, such as reading, mathematics, and writing, the book also pays close attention to social education skills, including home management, budgeting, meal preparation, and the development of positive familial relationships. Integrated Programmes for Handicapped Adolescents and Adults presents a number of projects from different parts of the world, with an emphasis on linking research and practice.

First published in 1984, Management and Administration of Rehabilitation Programmes addresses issues in management and administration across a wide range of areas relating to the education, welfare, and quality of life of those with disabilities. The book covers a variety of topics, including employment, the establishment of service priorities, and the evaluation of services and promotion of innovation. In each case, problems in management and administration are highlighted and explored. Management and Administration of Rehabilitation Programmes will be of interest to administrators and students of the history of special education.

Originally published in 1976, this introductory text for those intending to work with slow learners was concerned with the practical implications of recent British and North American research in the field of psychology and education at the time. Slow learners are young people who for a variety of reasons, continuously or for long periods, under-function in terms of intelligence, educational attainment and social skills. This book offers a clear analysis of the problems facing slow learners, their psychology and the types of education open to them. Dr Brown reassesses the needs of disabled children and adults in the context of their families, with the emphasis on the practical level of activity and training possible for them. The aim is the integration of the disabled person in society, and the belief is that services for the disabled should be integrated, with no professional person working on an isolated basis, but as part of a multidisciplinary professional team. Design for individuals entering the field of teaching, particularly those concerned with special education, training and rehabilitation programmes, the book should also be of value to social workers, psychologists and other professional people working in the field, as well as to parents of disabled children.

Originally published in 1976, this introductory text for those intending to work with slow learners was concerned with the practical implications of recent British and North American research in the field of psychology and education at the time. Slow learners are young people who for a variety of reasons, continuously or for long periods, under-function in terms of intelligence, educational attainment and social skills. This book offers a clear analysis of the problems facing slow learners, their psychology and the types of education open to them. Dr Brown reassesses the needs of disabled children and adults in the context of their families, with the emphasis on the practical level of activity and training possible for them. The aim is the integration of the disabled person in society, and the belief is that services for the disabled should be integrated, with no professional person working on an isolated basis, but as part of a multidisciplinary professional team. Design for individuals entering the field of teaching, particularly those concerned with special education, training and rehabilitation programmes, the book should also be of value to social workers, psychologists and other professional people working in the field, as well as to parents of disabled children.

The book is unique in two distinct ways. First, it focuses on improving quality of life in contrast to other books that have tended to focus more on its conceptualization and assessment. Second, it deals with improving quality of life in a variety of disabled populations, not just one, and includes chapters on people with chronic mental or physical conditions and those without disabilities at all (i.e. so-called normal people). The book outlines some of the challenges and controversies in the quality-of-life domain and attempts to synthesize the key issue and to draw generalizable conclusions. The book is mainly for university students and faculty and practitioners from various disciplines working in the field. It will also interest those members of the general public who wish to improve their own quality of life or that of their relatives or friends.

We all long for a life of purpose and fulfilment. Striving for high quality of life for us and those we care for is a powerful motivator. Many busy people dream of being lazy by a pool fanned by a soft summer breeze, but this does not last. A short time of rest and replenishment is quickly replaced by boredom and a sense of purposelessness. Quality of life is much deeper than material comfort, though this has a role. Sadly in our world today, many people live lives lacking in meaning and value: the unemployed, the underemployed, those with disabilities who would like to contribute to society but are deprived the opportunity. Their quality of life is not what it could be. In this book, we have attempted to provide examples of how people face challenges, and the family members, professionals and care personnel who support them can be helped and supported through services working within a quality of life framework. The book provides a challenge to be addressed by the individual, their families, local communities, governments, international organisations and the society at large.