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)

Reviews examples of interventions and programs that address the first strategic target of the National Agenda for Achieving Better Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance. Outlines a framework for improving the effectiveness of these programs and discusses implications for teacher educators, practitioners, researchers,…

Investigation of the quality of programing for 35 students with severe multiple disabilities found that individualized education programs contained many age-inappropriate and nonfunctional objectives, and that students with little voluntary movement received more passive instruction than students who were more physically able. (Author/DB)

This eight-chapter procedural guide outlines a supported work approach for competitive employment training of Mississippi citizens with moderate and severe disabilities. The first chapter defines competitive and supported employment and discusses funding, personnel, program options, and vocational curriculum development and assessment. The second…

This review of the literature on supported employment for individuals with severe disabilities begins by outlining two Federal definitions of supported employment and noting their similarities. Literature on approaches to supported employment is examined, focusing on individual jobs at distributed or scattered sites, enclaves, mobile crews, and…

One of the significant results of the 92nd and 93rd Congresses was the statement in the Conference Report: H.R. 8395 clarifying the roles to be played by the federal state grant-in-aid program for vocational rehabilitation. The Conference Report states that the order of selection be modified to require serving first those individuals with the most…

Survey responses of 50 State Directors of Special Education indicated wide discrepancies among states in how extended year services for severely handicapped students are provided. The article presents legal and educational bases in support of extended year programing and stresses the need for empirically based program guidelines. (Author/DB)

The article describes the Utah Community-Based Transition Project, a federally funded project on transition planning for severely disabled youth. The planning process is aimed at facilitating coordination and expansion of community services for each graduate. Barriers facing states as they attempt to implement effective transition planning models…

The paper details advantages of microcomputer-based assessment with moderately and severely handicapped individuals over conventional print instruments. Noted advantages include improved accuracy, less time-consuming, greater flexibility, and the potential for information database development and regional systematic programing. One such…

Included is a framework for determining if a young severely language delayed child is an appropriate candidate for sign programs; a discussion of specific sign objectives; and guidelines for classroom implementation and family intervention. (Author)

An analysis of transition plans for 84 students (ages 14-21) with severe disabilities was conducted across 24 school divisions in Virginia. Results found 35% were present at their individualized education program (IEP) meetings, 15% participated in their transition plan development, and none were employed outside of the school. (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…

Evaluation of the 1-year program for approximately 25 seriously emotionally disturbed older adolescents involved a review of the program design (objectives and organization), the planning process, interviews with staff, and analysis of data about student progress. Interviews were conducted with 11 staff members to elicit information on such topics…

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…

The document reports on a training program to equip a variety of educational personnel to deal effectively with a population of severely/profoundly handicapped young children. Section I describes the program in terms of the problem, the need, and goals and objectives (which include the development of training materials which enhance the…