Life Skills for Vocational Success

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REVIEW OF TRAINING MATERIALS

The number of educational materials to teach people with disabilities is enormous. The products described below represent a selection of materials that were requested from a variety of companies. The products were either purchased, obtained free from the company, or borrowed for the purpose of previewing them. The reviews are intended to provide additional information beyond what might be described in a catalog. They are grouped according to the units in the manual, and the first section contains "comprehensive" life-skills training programs.

Life-Skills Training Packages

Basic Life Skills Training Guides for the Deaf-Blind and Severely Handicapped National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (1800 223-5219)

This product is a series of six manuals that provides performance levels on thousands of skills. It sells for $167.90. The levels provide a framework for trainers to assess a student's mastery of a particular skill level. These performance levels correspond with working, living, and educational levels that provide a context for what environment the student might be most successful.

Volume 1 is an introduction that provides information on how to assess, document, plan, and teach the skills. In general, the manuals do not provide specific instructions on how to teach/train each skill. The introduction devotes a few pages on developing objectives, constructing task analyses, and understanding learning principles. The series of manuals would be most useful in a setting where individuals have many skill deficits. The manuals can be used as a resource in developing multiple teaching objectives for multiple individuals. The utility for training life skills for vocational success appears to be limited.

Volume 2, Basic Skills and Concepts, provides performance levels for basic motor skills, sensory discrimination, relating to objects, and social/emotional skills. Some sample teaching activities are included.

Volume 3, Personal Management, provides performance levels for common ADLs (eating, toileting, body care, and health care). This volume provides several task analyses that can be used when teaching the skills.

Volume 4, Work Skills and Concepts, provides performance levels for social skills, work skills, work habits, and work tasks. Included in this volume are sample training tasks for training on specific work skills like sorting, assembly, clerical, etc. There are no additional training instructions on the social skills or work habits.

Volume 5, Home Management, provides performance levels for housekeeping, clothing care, and meal preparation. This manual provides sample task analyses for some of the skills.

Volume 6, Community Living Skills, provides performance levels on advance communication skills, numbers, money, time, and telephone. This volume contains some sample teaching activities.

Functional Curriculum for Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Age Students with Special Needs Pro-Ed (512-451-3246)

This $38 book provides a framework for developing life skills training for school-aged children. All information is based on the most current research. Useful chapters on money management, socialization, employment, travel training, and hygiene can provide useful tips when providing training in those particular areas. However, the total amount of information that can be extracted from this book for use with adults is limited.

Life Centered Career Education: Modified Curriculum for Individuals with Moderate Disabilities The Council for Exceptional Children (1800 232-7733)

This is one of several life-skill training resources that CEC markets. It sells for $30 and is a fine product. One of the authors, Donn Brolin, has been developing life skill training programs for more than a decade. Although most of the resources are aimed at school-age children, this book may provide some useful information when conducting training programs.

Life Management Skills Attainment Company, Inc. (1800 327-4269)

This is a library of four manuals that provide an abundance of life skill activities. It sells for $195. The information is for use in a variety of mental health settings. Some of the exercises would need to be modified for people who have cognitive disabilities. There are 50 exercises in each manual that cover a variety of topics. Some of the topic areas are repeated in some manuals. Topic areas include communication skills, self-esteem, assertion, anger management, job readiness, social skills, and stress management. Each exercise has an entertaining activity and a lesson plan on how to incorporate that activity in a lesson to provide information, self-awareness, attitude adjustment, and/or skill training. The lessons lack specific skill training, but they can do a lot to improve a person's overall mental health and well-being.

Life Skills Instruction for All Students with Special Needs Pro-Ed (512-451-3246)

This is an excellent guide for developing a life-skills curriculum. It is for school-based training, but the suggestions apply to any program developing a new curriculum. It discusses assessment, resources needed, and implementation. The best part of the book is that it provides a comprehensive list of companies that provide training materials and a list of the majority of training materials on the market. It sells for $29, and it is strongly recommended for any program wanting to enhance their ability to implement life skills training.

Lifestyles 90's Unit Phillip Roy, Inc. (1800 255-9085)

This unit provides very basic information on 14 life-skill topics. Each topic can be sold separately for $9.95. The topics are written at a second to third grade level. The unit is also available on tapes that provide more information than the books. The topics provide information about the different life skills, but there is little skill training involved. This appears to be the least functional of the Phillip Roy life-skill packages. It sells for $125.

Survival Skills Phillip Roy, Inc. (1800 255-9085)

Essentially a life-skill package, this $195 program provides the learner 22 units on skills such as How to Get and Hold a Job, The Interview, Financing a Car, Establishing Credit, How to Handle Money, and You and the Law. Unlike other life-skill programs, these units provide the basic information rather than all of the details, which can get confusing. Each unit is contained in its own booklet and can be sold separately for $9.95. There is little skill training. The material is informational and written on a third to fifth grade level. The comprehension of that information is tested through word matching, true/false questions, etc. The program is also sold on tape for $195. As with all of Phillip Roy's products, the curricula are duplicable.

Systematic Curriculum for Independent Living PCI Educational Publishing (1800 594-4263)

This is a highly structured life-skills curriculum that is more than 2,300 pages long. It sells for $169.95. The curriculum provides assessment and learning objectives for common life skills such as math, reading, telephone, personal care, and community living. Like other similar curricula, the training sequence is broken down into small steps and progresses from easy skills to more difficult. The first 200 pages of the curriculum is dedicated just to counting. This illustrates the detail of the manual. This curriculum has excellent training information for teaching basic life skills to people with moderate mental retardation. It might be best used for training basic academic skills.

Social Skills

Communication Skills Lawrence Productions, Inc. (1800 421-4157)

Communication Skills is a computer program that provides information about good communication. At $49.95, the program does not provide any more information than a less expensive booklet. This program could be used as an independent tutorial for students who have elementary reading skills. However, due to the cost, it is not recommended.

Getting Along for Success Phillip Roy, Inc. (1800 255-9085)

Getting Along for Success is an excellent package for social-skills training. It sells for $150. With 17 topics such as social awareness, problem solving, self-control, interpersonal relationships, verbal communication skills, and negotiation, this package covers a wide range of social skills. Unlike other Phillip Roy, Inc. materials, this program has much more specific skill training. A great deal of the program requires the student to problem solve different scenarios. Each topic can be sold for $9.95. The topics on problem solving, self-control, interpersonal relationships, and communication skills would be inexpensive supplements to the life skills manual.

In Your Face! Why Courtesy and Respect Learning Seed Company (1800 634-4941)

This 22-minute informational video provides the learner "food for thought" on what happens in society when people are courteous or not courteous. It uses a handful of scenarios to get the message across. The video also provides instruction on how to resolve conflicts in some areas. The video consistently demonstrates how people who act civilly resolve conflicts better than people who act rudely and disrespectfully. This would be a good video to generate discussion about how to resolve conflict. It sells for $89.

It's All Part of the Job: Social Skills for Success at Work Attainment Company, Inc (1800 327-4269)

This is an excellent video for teaching basic job expectations at work. It uses people with disabilities at real jobs as examples. It also uses interviews from bosses who repeat the basic job expectations: be on time, be well groomed, work hard, listen, follow directions, ask questions, and be friendly. Although it covers only the most basic skills, it covers them thoroughly and effectively. It sells for $59.

Social Skills at Work: Keys to Success JIST WORKS, Inc (1800 648-5478)

This is a good video that provides dramatizations on how to handle two of the most common problems on the job: dealing with criticism from a boss, and dealing with a bothersome co-worker. It teaches people to keep calm when something upsets them, figure out the approach to resolve the conflict, and then talk to the boss or co-worker in a calm, assertive manner. The 17-minute video points out other common social skills that are important in the job setting. It sells for $99.

Social Skills Development: Practical Strategies for Adolescents and Adults with Developmental Disabilities Author--Stephen J. Antonello Publisher--Allyn and Bacon Book can be ordered through Internet companies like Amazon.Com or Any Psych Book for about $50.00. Check other book stores.

Excellent resource for any rehabilitation professional to use with people who have cognitive disabilities. The book contains 83 lessons that can be used to teach people various social skills. The training is practical and provides detailed information to present to the students and how to apply that information in real life situations.

Social Skills Resource Library Attainment Company, Inc. (1800 327-4269)

This library provides visual aids to discussions about social skills. It sells for $29. The pictures are drawn in black and white, and with instruction, a trainer can point out the correct and incorrect way to do things. The picture cues can be found in the Community Success manual, so if you are looking for picture cues to aid in discussion of a variety of life skills, you may be better off just getting the Community Success manual.

The Friendship Series YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities (212-563-7474)

The Friendship Series is made up of three videos -- The Differences Between Strangers, Acquaintances, and Friends, Becoming Acquaintances or Friends, and Being a Friend. Each tape can be purchased separately. This review is based on a preview copy of all three videos. Based on the preview copy, these videos will provide very good dramatizations about how to appropriately meet and keep friends. The series comes with an instructor's manual that will provide the trainer a list of questions and exercises to lead. It sells for $350.

The Prepare Curriculum: Teaching Prosocial Competencies Author--Arnold P. Goldstein Publisher--Research Press Book can be ordered from Amazon.com for $29.95. Check other book stores.

The Prepare Curriculum provides theoretical and practical information for social skills training for children and adolescents. Because it is targeted for children, the training material is basic and straight forward so it can be understood by adults with cognitive deficits. Recommended exercises are age appropriate. The curriculum provides training information on problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, anger control, moral reasoning, stress management, and cooperation. The book mainly provides multiple lesson curricula. Thus, it is a great resource for a practitioner looking to set up a training group that may last a few months or longer. For those practitioners who are wanting to do a few quick sessions, this book will provide more than enough valuable information.

Decision Making Skills

Directions: An Important Part of Life Education Associates, Inc. (1800 626-2950)

This computer training program is one of a series of nine job skill training programs. The series is entitled Work Maturity Skills Series and sells for $759. Each training program can be purchased separately for $95. It was anticipated that the Directions program would provide written or verbal instructions to complete tasks on the computer. However, this was not the case. It simply provided true/false and multiple choice questions on the importance of following instructions on the work site. The only actual skill practice that is required is to write the instructions to make a sandwich and get to the participant's house. There is little training for the money in this program.

I Can Manage Life: Learning How to Make Major Life Choices and Decisions JIST (1800 648-5478)

This workbook provides 79 activities that can be used to assist a person in self-exploration, in making decisions on education, career, and life partners, and in involving oneself in your community. The exercises are fun, but there is little information on teaching someone the process of solving problems. The activities are designed to be discussed in small groups. Because it is only $7.95, it might be a good resource to have on hand to generate an activity that is particularly suited for a lesson in a decision making course.

Employability Skills

Attendance: An Employer's Expectation Education Associates, Inc. (1800 626-2950)

This is one of 10 job skill packages sold in the Work Maturity Skills Bundle. The bundle costs $2,199. Each package can be purchased separately for $269. The Attendance program comes with written, computer, and video training materials. The written materials provide good information and exercises to help a person think through the importance of having good attendance. The video provides a decent dramatization about the importance of good attendance. The computer program displays a series of true/false, multiple choice, and essay questions. This multi-media package contains very little for the money.

Becoming Job Smart James Stanfield Publishing Company (1800 421-6534)

Becoming Job Smart is one of five life-skills packages from the Life Smart Curriculum. It is an expensive training tool ($599), but it is worth considering. The Stanfield company produces high quality products. With a large budget, an agency could develop a comprehensive training program just from their materials. The JobSmart program is divided into six units. Each unit takes a unique approach of how to do the wrong thing, and then shows the correct way to do things. For example, the first unit is titled How to Stay Unemployed...and What to do Instead. Subsequent units target how to get along with co-workers, how to get along with supervisors, how to get a promotion, what types of behavior get you fired, and job safety. Each unit can be purchased individually for $129. Each unit revolves around a video that provides approximately 10 dramatizations. The corresponding curricula is excellent. It provides detailed discussion for the wrong way to do something and a detailed discussion for the right way to do things. The curriculum also provides several detailed activities, including role-playing. This package would provide most of the necessary training for a person to be ready for a job. It was originally designed for students with mild to moderate learning, emotional, and cognitive disabilities.

How to Hold Your Job Pro-ED (1800 897-3202)

How to Hold Your Job is a workbook/activity program to develop positive work habits in adolescents and young adults with Mental Retardation. It sells for $36. The workbook provides various vignettes comparing the work of one person to another. Exercises that test the reader's comprehension of the information follows. This workbook provides information but very little skill training. Some of the exercises require a fair amount of writing.

Job-Related Social Skills: a Curriculum for Adolescents with Special Needs PCI Educational Publishing (1800 594-4263)

This is a thorough training curriculum that teaches 18 discrete social skills important for vocational success. Some of the skills include: understanding directions, asking questions, asking for help, offering help, and accepting criticism. The material can be used with adults as well as adolescents. Each lesson involves detailed role-playing activities. This outstanding curriculum sells for $69.95.

Job Savvy: How to Be a Success at Work JIST Works Inc. (1800 648-5478)

Job Savvy is a comprehensive "how-to" book that provides information to the entry-level worker. It sells for $10.95. This book was written in response to employers' desires to increase potential employees' employability skills. At a great low cost, the book can easily provide the essential structure and information to teach a multi-unit employability skills class. The 229 page book is written at a ninth grade level that will allow some students to work independently. Important topic areas include: understanding the employer's expectations, dressing appropriately, getting along with co-workers and supervisors, problems-solving skills, ethical behavior, and getting ahead on the job.

Job Search/Job Survival Educational Design, Inc (1800 221-9372)

This is an excellent video series that instructs the learner on how to get a job and how to keep it. The job-search video provides models of how to find job opportunities, how to obtain an interview, and interviewing skills. The information is presented so the learner can understand the incorrect and correct ways to get a job. The second two videos cover job survival skills. Again, actors act out scenes in which people get frustrated about the work they are assigned, don't understand what the boss is asking, deal with disgruntled employees, and are late for work. The skits show the correct and incorrect way of dealing with the different problems that commonly arise at any job setting. All lessons are followed up with a clear summary on the correct way to do things. This product would be a great addition to any job readiness curriculum. It sells for $199.

Job Search/Job Survival Educational Design, Inc. (1800 221-9372)

This workbook is a combination of the Job Survival Skills workbook and another workbook by Educational Design titled Job Search Education. The job-search part of the book focuses on self-exploration, career exploration, resume development, and filling out applications. There is extensive information on making a resume. There is a small section on filling out I-9 and W-4 forms, but it does not provide any more information than what a trainer could teach using blank copies of the forms. The job survival part has the exact same exercises as the Job Survival Skills workbook. The book could provide some useful supplementary activities in a job readiness class. It sells for $13.95.

Job Survival Skills Educational Design, Inc. (1800 221-9372)

This workbook is written on a third to sixth grade level, and is targeted for adults. It provides worksheets and activities for training in the areas of attendance, appearance, cooperation, using the telephone, working with public, communication, decision making, and stress-management skills. The workbook assists people in identifying different types or people or different types of approaches to different situations. For example, how would the defensive employee react to the demanding boss? This is probably not necessary, especially if a student has cognitive deficits. The book is probably better used with a "this is the right way and this is the wrong way" approach. The book lacks in skill training, but it does do a good job providing exercises for people to think about proper work ethic. It sells for $10.95.

Life Skills Curriculum: Employability Skills Unit Phillip Roy, Inc. (1800 255-9085)

The Employability Skills Unit is one part of the Life Skills Curriculum, that can be purchased for $1,775, and includes units on social skills, consumerism, and student issues. The Employability Skills Unit has 14 topics that are covered using easy-to-understand booklets. The material is adult-oriented and is written at a third to fifth grade level. The booklets could best be used for an independent learning program. The information that is provided could be supplied by a trainer without making this pricey investment. The only advantage is that the information is already compiled for the trainer. The majority of the training is cognitive-based and there is little emphasis on actual skills training. The information requires the learner to read text and answer questions. To offset the cost, all materials are duplicable and group licenses are available. It sells for $395.

Learning Job-Related Social Skills The Research & Training Center on Independent Living (785-864-4095)

Learning Job-Related Social Skills is a straightforward training curriculum to teach students basic social skills on the job such as accepting instructions, explaining a problem to your supervisor, and asking for help. The core instructions are included in the Life Skills for Vocational Success curriculum. However, the complete manual has additional information and sells for only $8.50.

Preparing for and Securing Employment Unit Phillip Roy, Inc. (1800 255-9085)

This is a good job-readiness unit. It contains six separate units that are written on a fourth to fifth grade level. The first two units guide the student through career exploration. The third unit is an outstanding lesson in preparing for a job interview. The lesson is like a job-readiness checklist, so a person who covers this material will be well prepared for an interview. Unit four covers applications and resumes. The last two units provide information on various occupations. This program can be set up for self-instruction or as an outline for job-readiness trainers. It is good program to have for $55.

Skills for Living series Jostens Learning Corporation (1800 247-1380)

Jostens' series has 17 separate life skill modules that use MS-DOS computer programs and instruction sheets to teach the different skills. The modules are sold for $49.95 separately, or they can be purchased in groups of five to seven modules at a discounted price. Purchase all 17 modules at a greater discount. The programs are tailored for independent use by someone who is able to read at an upper-elementary level. However, for a person who cannot read, the programs can provide a trainer a structured lesson on the topic. The lessons provide basic information, but the interactive computer exercises make the learning a little more enjoyable. Specific to the area of job readiness, Jostens has programs titled The Job Hunt and The Interview. The Job Hunt teaches the learner how to find different jobs, how to read classified ads, and how to "pound the pavement." The Interview uses an interactive game in which the learner plays the interviewer and picks people based on appearance, preparedness, body language, communication, confidence, and follow-up. Both programs do a good job of requiring the learner to think about important aspects of the job search and interview.

Social Skills on the Job American Guidance Service (1800 328-2560)

This is an outstanding package of video-tapes, instructional materials, and computer software. The whole program costs $299.95. The video tapes with accompanying teacher's guide provide instruction and modeling on 19 different skills areas. The areas include wearing appropriate clothes and having good hygiene for an interview and on the job, being on time, greeting people, calling in sick, appropriate break time behavior, and asking for help. The videos provide models of both appropriate and inappropriate behavior. The teacher's guide provides vocabulary instruction so the students understand the language used in the videos, discussion questions for each of the 19 lessons, fun worksheets to reinforce the learning, and role-play scripts that mirror the situations presented in the video.

Succeeding in Your Work & Community JIST Works, Inc. (1800 648-5478)

Succeeding in Your Work & Community is part of the "Hire Learning" series that includes books titled Setting Your Career and Life Direction, and Landing a Job. Succeeding in Your Work & Community is a 108-page manual that mainly focuses on how to deal with different workplace issues. It provides about 25 vignettes that describe different workplace problems and provides an opportunity to develop answers to the problems. The book is written at an eighth grade plus level, so most trainers will probably use the book during discussion sessions rather than have the learner use the book independently. It provides employability tips, guidance on how to work for yourself, and how to change jobs successfully. It is a great book for ideas on discussion topics for people who lack common social skills and knowledge about how to get along with others in the workplace. It sells for $6.95.

Survival Skills for the World of Work Educational Design, Inc. (1800 221-9372)

This set of eight videos sells for $749 or can be bought separately for $119 each. Seven of the first 13 dramatizations are contained on the second two videos in the Job Search/Job Survival package. For the price, this package does not add much to the shortened version. It provides dramas and discussion for scenarios involving keeping your cool, sticking up for your rights, understanding your paycheck, and giving proper notice before quitting. The package also provides 12 additional dramatizations with no discussion. The 12 dramas, on two different videos in addition to a third that provides more instruction on the job search, are packaged together as a series for $199. This video series is titled Job Search & Job Survival: Situations for Discussion. Although the videos provide excellent instruction, the instruction benefit does not outweigh the cost compared to the other two series.

The Job Success Series Lawrence Productions, Inc. (1800 421-4157)

This is a set of computer training programs to prepare a person for employment. The series includes programs titled First Days on the Job, Your Work Habits, Your Personal Habits, and Looking Good. All of the programs contain useful information presented in a stimulating format. However, these programs have the same limitations as other computer based training programs. There is usually less information than contained in a book and there is little actual skill training. It sells for $329.

The Skills Advantage: Identify Your Skills for School, Work, and Life JIST Works, Inc. (1800 648-5478)

The Skills Advantage is part of "The Living Skills Series" that includes books titled The Two Best Ways to Find a Job, Why Should I Hire You?, and An Introduction to Job Applications. The Skills Advantage is a 60-page workbook for adolescents and adults who read at a fifth to sixth grade level. The book guides learners through identifying priorities and skills in their lives. The bulk of the material focuses on helping a person identify the people and job-related skills that are necessary to succeed at any job. Once the person has identified his skills, the book helps the learner organize his skills and present them to a potential employer. The book also helps the learner identify ways to increase his skills. This is very detailed book in the area of job skill analysis and probably can be used within a job readiness curriculum. It sells for $5.95.

The Working World Unit Phillip Roy, Inc. (1800 255-9085)

The following topics are contained in this unit: job information, successful work attitudes and behaviors, productivity, advancements and raises, personal pay records, quitting a job, losing a job, job safety, and employee organizations. This is a good package for instruction in the area of employability. It provides the necessary exercises for the student to understand his/her role in the workplace, his/her employer's role, and how things such as pay, safety, and termination of employment operate at most jobs. The program sells for $95. Individual topics are sold for $14.95 each and all packets can be duplicated.

Vocational Entry-Level Vocabulary Words Phillip Roy, Inc (1800 255-9085)

This product will help teach students words they will need to know in different work settings. It sells for $525. All units can be purchased separately for $25 each or in packages organized by the following career areas: mechanics, carpentry, food service, welding, clerical/office, and general. The words are presented with definitions, sentence context, multiple choice questions, and pictures. The products would be good for classroom learning with people who have elementary reading skills. People with poor reading skills and/or cognitive disabilities will need experiential learning to learn the important words of work. All information can be duplicated, so if a training center focuses on training specific job skills, buying a few units or a specific package may be worthwhile. There are also computer tutorials to provide the same information.

What is Sexual Harassment? The Learning Seed Company (1800 634-4941)

This a 22-minute video that outlines sexual harassment in schools and at work. The language is somewhat advanced, as it uses terms like "intimidating," "hostile environment," and "quid pro quo." However, it does show some concrete examples of what is inappropriate sexual behavior around others. The video, paired with discussion to fit the learner's needs, may be an effective tool to teach the concept of sexual harassment. It sells for $89.

Your Career: Thinking about Jobs and Careers JIST Works, Inc. (1800 648-5478)

Your Career is part of "The Career and Life Skills Series" that includes books titled Knowing Yourself, Making Decisions, and Career Preparation. The books are in a workbook format for adolescents and adults with lower reading levels. The Your Career book assists an individual in career exploration. The 58-page book provides information and has activities with worksheets that people can use during their career exploration. The book is separated into three parts. The first guides a person through figuring out what kind of work would suit her based on her skills and interests. The second part of the book gives the person ideas and activities on how to find out the careers that are available. The final part of the book provides some basic tips on interviewing. This is a good workbook for someone to use independently or with assistance. Trainers can use the activities and tailor them for use for people who don't read. It sells for $5.95.

Money Management

Buy Now Pay Later: Credit Basics Learning Seed Company (1800 634-4941)

This 23-minute instructional video teaches the learner about credit basics. It covers how and why stores can sell a product now and not require payments for six months, how to obtain a credit history, and how to obtain credit. Due to the complexity inherent to credit, this video may be difficult to understand for some consumers.  A trainer could provide the same information as the video. The only benefit to the video is that it does not require the time of a trainer and it may be a little more stimulating than a lecture on credit. It sells for $89.

Checking and Savings Accounts: What They Are and How to Use Them JIST Works, Inc. (1800 648-5478)

This $6.95 workbook provides specific information on savings and checking accounts. The learner will get good information on the different types of accounts and how to use them. An independent student will need upper elementary academic skills to use this workbook. The workbook can be a good resource for teachers on how to organize lesson information and provide exercises that will assist in the learning process.

Check Writing PCI Educational Publishing (1800 594-4263)

Check Writing provides the materials to practice using a checking account. Each kit sells for $129.95 and includes 10 packets of realistic checks and check registers. The kit also includes worksheets that provide prompts for filling out the checks. PCI also sells Deluxe Banking for $139.95. This kit adds the use of monthly bank statements and ATM cards to the Check Writing package. Either of these programs would be a good investment to provide realistic practice of banking procedures.

Consumer Loans & Credit Cards: An Easy-to Use Guide to Credit and Loans JIST Works, Inc. (1800 648-5478)

This $6.95 workbook provides specific information on credit cards and loans. It explains the concept of credit in simple terms. The information would be useful for those people who have advanced academic skills and have had problems with credit in the past. Most students will need the information scaled down to a more consumable amount. The workbook can be used a resource for teachers in developing the format and content of lessons about using credit.

Dollars and Cents Software Attainment Company, Inc. (1800 327-4269)

This $99 software package is useful for classroom or tutorial instruction of basic money handling skills. The package contains three separate training programs. First Money teaches the student to identify the name and values of coins and bills. Spending Money teaches the student how to purchase a list of items while shopping. After finding the item in a choice of stores, the student can pay for the item with various combinations of money. Making Change helps the student learn the skills of a cashier. The student will key in the amount of money given to him and give the customer the correct amount of change. The combination of audio and realistic video cues makes this a unique and valuable teaching aid.

Insure Yourself: A Guide to Insurance Globe Fearon (1800 848-9500)

Insure Yourself is one of eight workbooks in a Money Matters Guide series. Each workbook sells for $6.95. Written on a second grade reading level, this workbook provides the learner an abundance of information about insurance. Like other Globe Fearon products listed, a student with the appropriate reading ability can use this book independently, or a trainer can use the book as a teaching resource.

Janus Life Skills: Budgeting and Buying Globe Fearon (1800 848-9500)

The Janus Life Skills series provides useful information in a set of adult-oriented workbooks. Each workbook sells for $7.95. The workbooks are designed for independent learning for people who have at least a third grade reading ability. By reading the information and answering questions, students learn information that is necessary succeeding in life skills. Budgeting and Buying is excellent because it takes students through a systematic procedure for developing a budget and spending money wisely. Strongly consider workbooks from the Janus Life Skills series if you want to provide students an opportunity to learn independently. The exercises can also be used in a group format with a trainer.

Money Management Educational Design, Inc. 1800 221-9372

Money Management is a 191-page workbook that is divided into eight units: ways to pay, figuring credit charges, banking, budgeting, borrowing money, buying a car, mortgages and home rentals, and understanding your paycheck. A person would need at least upper elementary reading and math skills to use this book independently. The book would be an excellent resource for a multi-unit money-management course. It provides instruction and definitions in simple terms and good questions/exercises to test the learner's knowledge of the material. It sells for $13.95.

Skills for Living series Jostens Learning Corporation (1800 247-1380)

The Skills for Living series has 17 separate life skill modules that use MS-DOS computer programs and instruction sheets to teach the different skills. The modules are sold for $49.95 separately, or they can be purchased in groups of five to seven modules at a discounted price. Purchase all 17 modules at a greater discount. The programs are tailored for independent use by someone who is able to read at an upper elementary level. However, for a person who cannot read, the programs can provide a trainer a structured lesson on the topic. The lessons provide basic information, but the interactive computer exercises make the learning a little more enjoyable. Specific to the area of money management, Jostens has modules titled Consumer Protection, Using Credit, Checking Accounts, Comparison Shopping, Buying a Used Car, Finding Goods and Services, and Renting an Apartment. Most of the computer programs provide information and then test the information with quiz questions. The Using Credit program uses a game format that requires the learner to make decisions about purchases based on income and available credit. The game is excellent at teaching decision making. All programs can be used as a teaching tool. However, practical experience will be superior to the modules.

User Friendly Budgeting Learning Seed Company (1800 634-4941)

This 14-minute informational video provides basic information on budgeting. It gives some pointers on how to make a budget and how to save money. It is an entertaining video, but students can learn without it. The steps for making a budget are not explained in detail the way a trainer can take a learner through the step-by-step process. Other good points in the video can be brought up during training sessions. It sells for $89.

You Can Bank on It! Understanding, Selecting, and Using Basic Financial Services JIST Works, Inc. (1800 648-5478)

You Can Bank on It is a 118-page workbook that provides basic instruction on all aspects of banking. The workbook provides information on different types of banks and services, and how to access those services. A person would need at least an upper elementary reading ability and math skills to use this book independently. Although all information is presented in simple terms, some of the information is advanced and does not serve much practical use. The book would be an excellent resource for a multi-unit banking course. It sells for $6.95.

Transportation

Getting There Attainment Company, Inc. (1800 327-4269)

This package contains a video and picture cues. This is a marginal training tool. The video provides some basic information on preparing to go out in the community, using a bus, appropriate social behavior, and walking to a destination. The picture cues would be helpful for those people who need those types of cues. It could be used as a supplement to a transportation skills training program. It sells for $79.

Janus Life Skills: Shopping and Caring for Cars Globe Fearon (1800 848-9500)

The Janus Life Skills series provides useful information in a set of adult oriented workbooks. Each workbook sells for $7.95. The workbooks are designed for independent learning by people who have at least a third-grade reading ability. By reading the information and answering questions, students learn information that is necessary for succeeding in life skills. Shopping and Caring for Cars is excellent because it provides all of the necessary information that a person needs to consider when buying a car. Strongly consider workbooks from the Janus Life Skills series if you want to provide students an opportunity to learn independently. The exercises also can be used in a group format with a trainer.

Janus Life Skills: Understanding Schedules Globe Fearon (1800 848-9500)

The Janus Life Skills series provides useful information in a set of adult-oriented workbooks. Each workbook sells for $7.95. The workbooks are designed for independent learning for people who have at least a third-grade reading ability. By reading the information and answering questions, students learn information that is necessary for succeeding in life skills. Understanding Schedules is excellent because it provides a lot of practice in reading various schedules. Strongly consider workbooks from the Janus Life Skills series if you want to provide students an opportunity to learn independently. The exercises can also be used in a group format with a trainer.

Health

Skills for Living series Jostens Learning (1800 247-1380)

Jostens' series has 17 separate life skill modules that use MS-DOS computer programs and instructional sheets to teach the different skills. The modules are sold for $49.95 separately, or they can be purchased in groups of five to seven modules at a discounted price. Purchase all 17 modules at a greater discount. The programs are tailored to independent use for someone who is able to read at an upper elementary level. However, for a person who cannot read, the programs can provide a trainer a structured lesson on the topic. The lessons provide basic information, but the interactive computer exercises make the learning a little more enjoyable. Specific to the area of Health Care, Jostens has a module titled To Your Health. This lesson provides the learner basic information to understand his/her health care options. Learning is evaluated with a series of questions on the worksheets and computer program. This program does a good job teaching the learner about basics of the health-care industry and how to get the best care.

Family Responsibilities

Child Care Success: For You and Your Kids Preschool Enrichment Team (413-736-3900)

This manual is an outstanding resource to guide parents through the difficult process of selecting and using child care. It reviews different child care options and how to comparison shop. There is instruction on how the parent can prepare for child care, and how he or she can prepare his or her child. It also gives excellent instruction on how to dress your child, manage the mornings, keep children healthy, and the "blues" that go with leaving a child with someone else. The manual provides additional information on other resources. It sells for $10.95.

Learning About Pregnancy Phillip Roy, Inc. (1800 255-9085)

This booklet on pregnancy provides basic information about everything from birth control to the baby's first two years. Within a life-skills curriculum the booklet is a useful resource on birth control, signs of pregnancy, the consequences of a teenager having a baby, and accessing social service agencies. The rest of the information contained in the booklet would be provided by health care workers who care for the pregnant mother. It sells for $14.95.

Understanding the Law

Putting the Bars Behind You JIST WORKS, Inc. (1800 648-5478)

This is an excellent video to teach ex-offenders how approach a job search. Showing this video and then having the participant role-play mock interviews would provide excellent training for a person seeking a job after being in jail. The only drawback is the price ($169), but it may be worth it if your agency serves many former inmates.

Using a Lawyer...And What To Do If Things Go Wrong: A Step-by-Step Guide HALT (202-887-8255)

This a comprehensive resource manual for hiring and using a lawyer. It sells for $8.95.

Miscellaneous Resources

Being Me: A Social/Sexual Training Program for the Developmentally Disabled Pro-Ed (512-451-3246)

This is a solid sexuality resource. It provides two guides that provide information necessary for conducting a sexuality training program. The training guide, which is sold separately, provides a wealth of information for developing a sexuality curriculum. Sex- education slides and an assessment protocol also are included. The program sells for $139.

Community Success Attainment Co. (1800 327-4269)

Community Success is an illustrated encyclopedia of social behavior. It sells for $49. This booklet can be used as a supplement to other social skills packages. The advantage of this booklet is the illustrations that can be duplicated for use by people with reading difficulties. The booklet provides illustrations for the correct and incorrect ways to behave in many daily situations. The pictures are useful as cues to appropriate responses when practicing skills or reviewing appropriate behaviors in various situations. If an agency is looking for a resource to produce picture cues for people with cognitive limitations, it may consider this booklet.

Developing Pre-Vocational/Vocational Skills in Developmentally Disabled Persons National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (1800 223-5219)

This $11.70 training manual is a fine product for therapeutic recreation professionals. The manual was developed on the premise that skills learned through recreational activities can generalize to a job site. This product is not useful for a standard life-skills training curriculum.

Everyone Can Work Attainment Company, Inc. (1800 327-4269)

This package of three videos and a curriculum manual sells for $199. If a program needs to improve its supported employment efforts, this is a good resource. The videos demonstrate success stories of people in supported employment. One video is targeted toward rehabilitation professionals ($79 sold separately), one video is for employers ($39 sold separately), and one video is for clients($59 sold separately). The video for professionals was reviewed and it was good. The curriculum is directed toward supported employment specialists, and provides information to assist a person in supported employment from start to finish. It focuses on people who have traumatic brain injury. It provides reproducible assessment and tracking forms. The curriculum sells for $59.

Forms & Applications Unit Phillip Roy, Inc (1800 255-9085)

The Forms & Applications Unit has 36 common forms and applications that people will need experience in filling out and reading. The information is not extraordinary; anyone who provides training could duplicate the information. However, this packaged product would save a trainer many days of work assembling the same information which more than offsets the $95 cost. Some examples include apartment lease, bank statement, checking account, food stamps, budgets, payroll check, and welfare. All forms are duplicable, so this is probably a wise investment for most facilities.

Guide for Prevocational, Life Experience, and Socio-Recreational Training National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Materials (1800 223-5219)

This guide claims to be "more than just a prepared curriculum." This statement is inaccurate. This guide provides the basics for developing a curriculum in the domains indicated in the title. It gives an example of a possible objective with each domain. Thus, although this guide will not provide a ready-to-use curriculum, it will provide good information on developing a life-skills curriculum at a reasonable rate of $11.20.

Learn about Life: Sexuality and Social Skills Program Attainment Co. (1800 327-4269)

This is an excellent sexual/social skills program for people with developmental disabilities, ages ten and up. It sells for $129. Using pictures and a concrete instructional format, this program covers all of the necessary information for a sex education curriculum. It covers anatomy, sexual development, health care, responsible behavior, sexual activity, pregnancy, and relationships. There are more topics beyond these basics. Some of the material, especially related to sexual behavior, is graphic, so there are cover-up stickers enclosed to discretely edit material.

Looking for Words CD-ROM Attainment Company, Inc. (1800 327-4269)

This $99 software provides training in the areas of reasoning, vocabulary building, and reading. One option with the software is for the student to explore around a simulated town and pick different items. The software will then show the written word on the screen and sound out the word. A more difficult option requires the student to explore around the simulated town to find items on a list. This appears to be a stimulating way to improve vocabulary.

Person to Person Program Development Specialists (1800 543-2119)

Person to Person is a 52-minute video that provides information for developing sex education training groups for adults with developmental disabilities. Although this video has limited training value for people with MR/DD, it does do a good job providing rationale and examples for professionals who teach sexual education. The video sells for $79.

Picture Cue Software Attainment Co. (1800 327-4269)

This software program has five dictionaries on one CD-ROM. The CD-ROM sells for $189. Each dictionary is sold separately on 3.5" disks for $59 to $69, or combined for $239. This is useful software to help a person with developmental disabilities become more independent. The program uses pictures, spoken words, and organization formats to provide the user cues for shopping, making meals, hygiene, housekeeping, and planning your day. The program can be used by a care giver to provide a step-by-step sequence for a person to use. Or, the person can create his own lists as reminders of what he needs to accomplish. Attainment company has other software to help people learn different words and concepts. This appears to be the most functional in its production of lists and cues that can be used on a daily basis.

Stepping Out Attainment Company, Inc. (1800 327-4269)

Stepping Out is a comprehensive community life skill-training program. It sells for $279. The program contains videos, a written curriculum, and "cues" that people can carry with them in the community. The utility of this program is questionable. While the videos tell an entertaining story, it is limited in actual skill instruction. The cues that are provided to assist in money usage, using public transportation, and making it to appointments are good in theory. However, the student will need a solid understanding of time and money concepts to use these cues. They will also need basic reading skills. The written curriculum that incorporates the cues is thorough and well done. If you have a number of people who have basic reading, money, time, and math skills but need some assistance in putting all the pieces together, this may be a good program to have on hand. Pass on the videos and purchase the cues and the curriculum separately to save money.

Telephone Usage Program National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Materials (1800 223-5219)

This detailed training guide can provide an in-depth training program for using a telephone. The program appears to be several years old, so some of the supplementary materials are out of date. Nevertheless, this program appears to be effective in training people with cognitive disabilities all the necessary skills that are needed to use a telephone. It sells for $7.30.

The Boyfriend/Girlfriend Series YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities (212-563-7474)

The Boyfriend/Girlfriend Series is made up of three videos -- Starting a Special Relationship, Building a Relationship I Like, and Having a Good Relationship. Each tape can be purchased separately. This review is based on a preview copy of all three videos. Based on the preview copy, these videos will provide very good dramatizations about how to appropriately start and develop an intimate relationship. The series comes with an instructor's manual that will provide the trainer a list of questions and exercises to lead. The series sells for $375.

The Sexuality Series YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities (212-563-7474)

The Sexuality Series is made up of three videos -- Enjoying Your Sexual Life, Working Out Problems in Your Sexual Relationship, and Sexual Acts that are Against the Law. Each tape can be purchased separately. This review is based on a preview copy of all 3 videos. Based on the preview copy, these videos will provide very good dramatizations about how to appropriately meet and keep friends. The series comes with an instructor's manual that will provide the trainer a list of questions and exercises to lead. This series sells for $350.

The Shadow of Hate: A History of Intolerance in America Southern Poverty Law Center (334- 264-0268)

This program includes a video, text of different stories that illustrate the harm of intolerance, and a teacher's guide. This program stresses understanding of differences in people. There is no skill training. There are several exercises that include group discussion and writing. People with mental disabilities may have a hard time with the material. However, a trainer could show the video and read parts of the story and ask simple questions such as: "Why did that person get treated badly." and "Is that a nice thing to do." This is a quality product and the Southern Poverty Law Center will supply each program a free copy at a request from the program's director. Call for more information.

WordWise™ CD-ROM Attainment Company, Inc. (1800 327-4269)

This $199 software serves two purposes. First, it can be used to increase a person's vocabulary. Second, it can be used to create picture boards for an augmentative communication device. A speech pathologist would need to review to assess the true utility.

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