Two experiments with 15 individuals having profound mental retardation found difficulties in identifying reinforcers that were actually effective in treatment of chronic training needs. Research needs in evaluating training alternatives for people with profound multiple disabilities who move very little or who respond with very long latencies are…

Two experiments in training residents with severe disabilities in key use revealed increased ability to locate keys when reinforced for doing so and successful key use by 20 of 25 participants to open and lock their personal lockers. However, only 36 percent of participants were able to use their keys without prompts. (Author/DB)