Instructional development, particularly for the severely and profoundly handicapped, should stress the delineation of clearly stated functional goals and objectives and the use of systematic instructional strategies to facilitate the acquisition and generalization of target skills. (Author)

This fact sheet summarizes issues in the provision of respite services for families with children suffering from severe emotional disturbances. Background information supports the unmet need for respite care services to families caring for such children at home. A definition of "serious emotional disturbance" is provided and typical…

Addresses the managed health care initiatives which impact the way that social workers deliver services to people with severe mental illness. Recommends social workers stay abreast of developments in managed care, use efficacy information more systematically, and promote consumer involvement in the design, implementation, and monitoring of managed…

To use technology effectively, teachers of severely handicapped young children require technological competencies (especially competency with microcomputers) in the areas of assessment and program planning, program implementation and administration, family involvement, and personal productivity. A list of these competencies is provided, along with…

Reviews examples of interventions and programs that address the first strategic target of the National Agenda for Achieving Better Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance. Outlines a framework for improving the effectiveness of these programs and discusses implications for teacher educators, practitioners, researchers,…

This review of the literature on supported employment for individuals with severe disabilities begins by outlining two Federal definitions of supported employment and noting their similarities. Literature on approaches to supported employment is examined, focusing on individual jobs at distributed or scattered sites, enclaves, mobile crews, and…

A rationale for the importance of analyzing spontaneous language use by persons with severe disabilities is offered. Use of a continuum of cues can help evaluate language needs and serve as the basis of a training program. Three recent studies demonstrating procedures for teaching spontaneous language use are reviewed. (Author/DB)

This article reviews five categories of critical characteristics of high-quality secondary-level vocational instruction programs that increase the likelihood that students with severe disabilities will obtain paid community employment upon graduation. Categories include location of instruction, curriculum, instructional strategies, transition…

This information package explores a "housing/support services" approach to residential services for individuals with severe disabilities. It provides an introduction to housing strategies and resources that can be used to promote home ownership by parents and people with disabilities, to make all housing more accessible, and to increase the…

This paper summarizes current knowledge on the transition to adulthood of youth with serious emotional disturbance in terms of epidemiology, effective interventions, and program models. The first section is introductory and provides definitions and characteristics of transitional youth noting special developmental tasks, outcomes for young adults,…

This monograph explores the development of comprehensive systems of care for severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. It is intended as a technical assistance tool for states and communities interested in improving services and as a review of the state of the art for developing systems of care. A generic model of a system of care…