Traditional procedures for assessing and stimulating residual vision are often ineffective with deaf-blind and severely handicapped children. Common eye disorders, visual assessment procedures, and vision stimulation components are described. (JN)

This paper identifies projects that have successfully applied the systems approach to instructional design and points to situations where that approach may be inappropriate. A method which relies on strict sequencing of objectives and means may not be easily adaptable for individualized programs in which means and ends emerge from instructional…

A rationale for including a leisure time activities curriculum component in educational programing for severely handicapped individuals is presented. The importance of play and the constructive use of leisure time is described through the use of a model demonstration project. (JN)

One approach that has proved to be effective in providing prevocational training to the deaf-blind and severely handicapped is the continuum concept. This concept emphasizes the individual's movement from the educational setting into an appropriate community-based vocational environment. (JN)

The Oak Hill School Model was developed to secure the best plan for educating, training, and developing a life program for the multihandicapped person. The handicapped individual's full potential is developed in the least restrictive environment. The group home program teaches self-help skills and is an alternative to the institution. (JN)

Since each disabled student must be considered individually, planning and implementing a realistic individualized education program while meeting the mandates of the law will always be difficult. The primary objective of educational diagnosis should be to determine the child's present level of functioning. (JN)