Literature Review on Topics of Urgent RSA Needs and Concerns. (Covers Research Performed from October 1976 to June 1978.) Final Report.

Four state-of-the-art reports were prepared and disseminated in both printed and audio cassette forms to summarize the available knowledge in four areas of concern in the field of rehabilitation. Based on the recommendations of a consumer panel composed mainly of representatives from the intended audience, the topics of the reports and the authors were selected by the project staff. The titles and authors of these reports are as follows: "Independent Living," by Susan Pflueger; "Sheltered Industrial Employment," by Carolyn Vash; "New Directions in Rehabilitation Outcome Measurement," by Thomas Backer; and "Perspectives on National Health Insurance and Rehabilitation," by Herbert Dorken. Observations made about developing and disseminating information products include the following: the use of a consumer panel which represented the target audience ensured the relevance and timeliness of the reports; targeting each topic to a specific user group made the product more useful; the input of subject experts improved the quality and credibility of the products; and issuing the reports in audio cassette form provided access to those users who are handicapped in their use of printed products. (Appended are a list of consumer panel members, information on where and how to obtain copies of the reports, a reader evaluation form, the marketing brochure, and sample letters. (EM)