Abstract
Work is what enables inclusion even more so for individuals with intellectual disabilities, since work plays an essential part in their quality of life. The social representation approach illustrates the appropriation of an object by a social group according to their background, values and practice, but the term “work” has never been studied as an object of social representation among persons with intellectual disabilities. In this perspective, we met 30 young girls in a centre for children and young people with disabilities, and 29 women in a sheltered employment centre, so that they might express themselves spontaneously on their representation of work. The results of a free association test show two distinct “operational” representations of work. The item “earning money” is a central element of representation for both groups. The periphery of the representation brings out elements in relation to daily life, vocational and social skills, feelings of job satisfaction, and also differs according to the groups. The representation by women could be the result of a transformation of the object work with age and entry into active life.

Abstract
Background: The introduction of assistive technology (AT) into people’s lives is a deliberative and long-term process, which presupposes teamwork as much as professionalism, time, and experience. The aim of the assistive technology assessment (ATA) process is to suggest guidelines to follow in order to reach valid results during the AT selection and assignment process. Purpose: This paper aims to critically discuss the application of the model of the ATA process developed by Federici and Scherer (2012c). Method: A cross-cultural comparison of AT service delivery systems and discussion of the ATA process model adopted by the Leonarda Vaccari Institute of Rome was conducted. Conclusion: Currently, the wide variety of AT devices on the market opens up new frontiers for the individual’s enhanced functioning, inclusion, and participation. Because the choice for the most appropriate match is often a complex process, a systematic selection process such as the ATA process described in this article can help practitioners to efficiently achieve successful outcomes.

Abstract
The aim of this work is to analyze the three dimensions of attention, namely vigilance, selectivity and orienting, as identified in Attention Network Theory (ANT), in subjects with ADHD, with attention problems and with typical development. Fourteen ADHD, fifteen with attention problems and fifteen typically developing subjects were tested on ANT. Results showed that children with ADHD obtained low scores for accuracy and a high score for RT. It has also emerged that children with ADHD show no deficits for orienting and vigilance network, but they show deficits in the efficiency of the executive network compared to children with attention problems and typically developed.

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate self-representations within the family and their effects on the development of adaptive skills in terms of personal and social autonomy. The target was a group of teenagers and young adults with Down Syndrome (DS), compared with a group of non-disabled individuals. The purposes of this study were: 1) to show a relationship between the development of autonomy during adolescence and the perceptions of feelings and attitudes experienced within the family; 2) to identify a link between a) family relationships which are more oriented towards recognizing the maturation processes with the goal of the autonomy of adolescents with DS, and b) the building of adequate self-representations with positive effects on personal and social adaptation. The study sample was composed of 170 adolescents and young adults, 85 of whom have DS. The instruments employed were the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale - Survey Form (VABS), which measures the level of Adaptive Behavior by three domains (Communication, Daily Living and Socialization), and the Family Relations Test: Children’s Version (FRTC), which assesses the feelings that the subject expresses and receives within the family. The data analysis showed that while all family members influence the level of autonomy in typically developing persons, individuals with DS are significantly influenced by their mothers. The results are discussed taking into account other relevant research, and the possible implications for implementing prevention programs, as well as parenting and development support strategies.

Abstract
These two studies extended the assessment of programs recently developed for promoting activity and orientation in persons with moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, Study I pursued a new evaluation of a program, in which pictorial instructions of activity steps are presented on a computer screen at preset intervals. Study II pursued a new evaluation of a program using music and strobe lights (emitted at the destinations) as spatial cues to support indoor orientation and travel. Six participants were included, three per study. The results of Study I showed that the participants reached high percentages of correct steps in each of the two activities targeted. The results of Study II showed that the participants had high percentages of correct orientation and travel within their day care context. The results of both studies were in line with the data of previous studies in these areas. The practical implications of these results for helping participants with moderate Alzheimer’s disease manage activity engagement and orientation/travel are discussed.