Thirty-nine students in classes for deaf-blind children were assessed using the Behavior Rating Instrument for Autistic and Other Atypical Children (BRIAAC). Each child was observed for two hours and was rated on the eight BRIAAC scales. The Behavior Rating Instrument evaluated the child's motivation as it emerged in daily context. (JN)

One of the most difficult problems confronting the education of the deaf is defining what is meant by the term multihandicapped deaf. Multihandicapped deaf have been sorted into three groups--mild, moderate, and severe--which educators must use for the effective development of educational programs and services. (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 determination of what is considered to be the least restrictive environment for the deaf-blind severely handicapped child should not be based solely on the child's learning needs. The individual needs of each child should be the main but not the only consideration. (JN)