The development of a nursing assessment instrument for the mentally handicapped individual

Because mental handicap is a lifelong condition, mentally handicapped individuals and their families experience unique needs and problems, which require sound assessment by the nurse to enable her to intervene effectively.OpsommingVanwee die feit dat geestesgestremdheid 'n lewenslange toestand is, ervaar geestesgestremde persone en hul families unieke behoeftes en probleme wat deeglike beraming deur verpleegkundiges vereis, ten einde effektiewe ingn'ping te verseker. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

The Design of a Universal Autonomous Power Tray

Several accessories have been developed to aid the wheelchair-confined individual in retaining their social independence. However, after a comprehensive study it was determined that a device, which would automatically extend the immediate reach of the handicapped individual, could not be easily added to such currently existing wheelchairs. We proposed a device that could easily be attached to the back of the electric wheelchair. This unit contains all necessary hardware to support the movement of an actuating arm whose intent is to automatically deliver and retrieve objects outside the person’s immediate reach. In addition, the unit does not significantly exceed the dimensions of the chair so as to not obstruct its normal use. To maximize our efforts, we re-evaluated the creativity of its construction: This was done to optimize its durability, reliability, and ultimately lower its construction cost. The ease of its manufacturing supports our intent for a universal application so that all handicapped individuals could benefit from this device as an after-market electric wheelchair accessory. Achieving these types of functions required the development of two pneumatic telescoping arms that can match and overcome its maximum load of 15 lb., and an electrical control system that both develops arid defines all object motions. A comprehensive static and dynamic analysis was performed to, determine the forces governing the motion of the arm as well as to predict its operating speed and direction. This analysis also tests the boundaries of our control system. This information allowed us to determine the range and limitations that defined the electrical as well as mechanical components of this system.

Multiple Pathology in a Mentally Handicapped Individual

A doctor is trained, perhaps over-trained, to try to limit his diagnosis to a single disease process or entity. This may lead on occasion to a somewhat blinkered approach to the management of patients. The following case illustrates multiple and concomitant pathology in a single individual.

The Needs of Young Intellectually Retarded Adults

It is now generally agreed that the words ‘handicapped individual’ need to be considered as having a social rather than a medical or educational meaning. To arrive at such a conclusion, however, it is necessary briefly to consider the words ‘impairment’, ‘disability’ and ‘handicap’ (Figure 1).

The Neglected Minority

In spite of the many state and Federal laws enacted concerning housing for handicapped individuals, there is still an unmet need for accessible and useable housing for this neglected minority. The article goes back twelve years in time when housing was first recognized as a step in the total rehabilitation of the handicapped individual. Twelve years later, this same need still exists. The figures and estimates are based on the state of Massachusetts only. They must be multiplied fifty times over to estimate the true scope of this national problem of the neglected minority.

Reading Disabilities, Continued

I have reviewed with concerned interest the article by Kenny et al. and the letters in response. I feel that though the primary remediative responsibilities should fall within educational facilities, the identification of the learning-handicapped individual in need of further investigation and the monitoring of the adequacy of response to remediative therapy is the responsibility of all involved in working with children . . . medical, psychologic, and educational disciplines. The data given are superficial in content and give no specifics as to the testing techniques, the historical data sought, the neurophysical examination details, nor the specific referring complaints.