Using a comprehensive set of quality indicators grounded in evidence-based practices, evaluation, planning, and improvement of services for students with the most significant support needs can be completed. This nine-step process is described with examples for implementation.

The aim of the article is to describe the assessment model adopted by the SCINTILLA Project, a project in Italy aimed at the online vocational training of young, seriously-disabled subjects and their subsequent work inclusion in smart-work mode. It will thus describe the model worked out for evaluation of the training program conceived for the…

Centring on a small-scale capability-based case study of music provision for adults with profound dis/abilities, this paper considers the significance of music and music education in people's lives. It offers a philosophical defence of music's importance in enjoying a truly human life and then, drawing on an overview of the work of dis/abled…

Despite encouraging changes in the expectations of programming for persons with moderate to severe intellectual disability (MSD), data suggest that programs for these individuals are still lacking in several critical areas. Building administrators play a key role in promoting high quality programs for students with MSD within local schools but may…

A model is presented to link the evaluation and treatment processes in vocational rehabilitation of severely handicapped persons. The model is explained to include task analysis, functional anslysis, and ecobehavioral approaches and incorporates them within a database. (CL)

An in-service program for vocational trainers of severely and profoundly retarded adults is described and a multiple perspective approach to evaluating the program is presented. (CL)

The project addressed the discrepancy between research (documenting the vocational potential of severely handicapped adults) and current services (which include an expanding national program of nonvocational day activity centers) with five coordinated components designed to improve, implement, and evaluate vocational services. The first component,…

Documentation of positive outcomes for severely handicapped learners as a function of their educational programs is receiving increased attention as the major focus of program development, monitoring, and evaluation efforts. At the same time, those strategies that have been used predominantly to determine program effectiveness--particularly…

A home-based respite care program for children and young adults with severe and multiple disabilities was conceived and developed by a group of parents and community members. A needs assessment revealed the scarcity of respite care in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area. A pilot program was begun to test the model on a limited basis. Evaluation of…

Issues in educating pupils with profound disabilities are discussed, examining policy, curriculum, research on teaching methods, and influence of behavioral psychology methods. Evaluation of educational outcomes is also examined, focusing on Project MESH (Model Education for Severely Handicapped Learners), a project based at the University of…

Discusses the importance of teaching communication skills to individuals with severe disabilities and reviews the development and evaluation of Developing Communicative Interactions, a data-based staff training program that supports the development of a prescribed set of interaction skills by interacting communication partners. (Author/CR)

Evaluation of TASH (The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps) Technical Assistance Project found it to be effective in providing inservice training for staff working with individuals with deaf-blindness. The project involves prioritization of training needs, team planning, follow-up activities, and use of consultants to deliver technical…

The volume is a composite of final reports written for nine special education research and evaluation studies conducted by the Dallas (Texas) Independent School District during the 1978-79 school year. Each report includes three components: an executive summary of research or evaluation questions and responses; an abstract with information on…

Severely handicapped students who demonstrate severe skill regression during school breaks, and inordinate time to recoup, require extended school year services. A framework and rationale for research development to provide guidance for services to students is described. Research to identify objective methods to determine eligibility and evaluate…

The article cites projects and activities of the Utah State University Developmental Center, including the use of applied technology, in preschool, academic, and social curricula; the use of "expert systems" for special education consultation and decision making; a cost-effectiveness study; early intervention; and an interdisciplinary…