The Vermont Interdependent Services Team Approach (VISTA), a process to facilitate consensus decision making about type and frequency of support services, was tested by 11 educational teams serving seven students (ages 4-20) with multiple disabilities. Results indicate that support service decisions changed, specialists made different decisions…

This article suggests that the speech-language pathologist may appropriately serve as a case manager for students who have multiple needs and describes a case management model. The skills necessary for effective case management are outlined and functional outcomes are demonstrated with a child and family story. (Contains references.) (DB)

Characteristics of individualized education programs (IEPs) of 46 mainstreamed students with multiple disabilities from 9 states were analyzed, revealing that IEPs are vague and inconsistent, list goals for staff rather than for students, and are discipline-referenced. The study recommends that IEPs include individualized learning outcomes,…

This paper addresses orientation and mobility (O&M) training for people with multiple severe disabilities including visual impairments. The historical origins of O&M training are reviewed, noting difficulties with applying the traditional curriculum with such groups as very young children, the elderly, and those with multiple disabilities. A…

This article describes a process for customizing instruction for students with profound multiple disabilities that has been used to design instructional programs and maximize attainment of functional outcomes. The process focuses on collaborative teamwork and problem solving to design and implement instructional programs and includes five major…

A team programming approach that uses parents and professionals to select unified programming goals for severely/multiply disabled students, provide direct and indirect related services, integrate programming methods, and monitor student progress is described. Program philosophy and overall functional assessment-curriculum organizes team members…

This article presents general information on visually impaired children with progressive, terminal neurodegenerative disorders including implications for the classroom, specific techniques to help the child live and learn, and the development of multidisciplinary support systems including both professionals and family members. (DB)

This study evaluated data from 73 educational team members who used an updated version of the Vermont Interdependent Services Team Approach (VISTA) to assist them in planning support services for 11 students with multiple disabilities in general education classes. The changes were perceived positively, especially the overall quality, practicality,…

A study investigated the causes, educational continuity, and parental perceptions associated with 19 students with multiple disabilities transitioning from school to hospital. Sixty-one percent of hospitalizations were for emergencies and only 1 in 46 hospitalizations had a transition plan to deliver educational services while students were absent…

A school district in Nanaimo, British Columbia (Canada) implemented a transdisciplinary team to provide services for students with multiple handicaps. The team comprises a special education teacher, speech/language pathologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and teacher aides. This paper describes team member roles and responsibilities,…

This paper summarizes the results of a symposium on assessment procedures at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, a residential/day school for children with sensory impairments. Experience with top down assessment utilizing a wholistic approach is emphasized. First a brief description of assessment in the parent infant program is given. Then…

The relationship between medical services and the education of a child with a disability is examined using a case study of a young boy with numerous disabilities. The perspectives of the parents, educators, and physicians are explained. Recommendations are given for more effective communication among families, medical professionals, and educators.…

Presented is the final report of a project to demonstrate educationally relevant approaches to assessment of and prescription for severely handicapped children (0 to 21 years old) within an existing multidisciplinary diagnostic facility, the Central Arizona Child Evaluation Center. Part I provides introductory information with a definition of…

This first volume in a two-volume series which contains training modules on the education of children and youth with dual sensory and multiple impairments focuses on training parents to be knowledgeable consumers of intervention strategies and educational services for their children. The four modules in this volume address the following areas: (1)…

After an introduction to the problems experienced by Australian individuals with multiple disabilities and their families, this article outlines the use of the McGill Action Planning System, or MAPS, to improve or develop educational programs. The timing and relationship between MAPS and Individual Education Plans are also discussed. (Contains…