This article discusses the increasing incidence of cortical visual impairments, resulting from medical advancements making possible the survival of critically ill children with severe brain damage. Discussed are the prevalence of multiple handicaps, formation of visual concepts, foreground/background distinction, potential for mainstreaming, use…

This article discusses a program that, by emphasizing individuality, integration, adaptability, and functionality (the IIAF model), improves the visual functioning of students who are visually impaired, have multiple disabilities, and function at a severely or profoundly impaired level. Examples of recommended visual learning activities are…

The article offers a contextual and functional approach to the development of visual skills in students with concomitant visual and multiple disabilities. A decision-making strategy is provided to aid the vision specialist in maximizing effective intervention. A case study illustrates the decision-making steps. (Author/DB)

Intended for teacher use, the manual provides for the assessment and training of severely multiply handicapped deaf-blind students with sections on self help, motor development, and sensory stimulation training. Included for each skill are an individual rating scale for periodic assessments, a task analysis, and an actual teaching procedure. Found…

Included in the publication are 10 articles on developing basic skills in severely and profoundly handicapped children. The first paper focuses on the development of object permanence, a basic cognitive skill, while the second and third review procedures for developing self care skills (toileting and eating). A fourth paper discusses an…