Analysis of research reviews, experimental studies, and a metanalysis that included data on early intervention intensity and outcomes revealed that there is little evidence that more intensive programs lead to better outcomes for children with disabilities. Some limited support exists that more intensive programs may be beneficial for…

This study of 150 mothers of infants and toddlers with disabilities found that participants in professionally organized parent groups reported larger increases in the size and helpfulness of their social support networks than did nonparticipants. Intensity of participation was associated with both positive and negative outcomes for maternal…

Reviews research on the efficacy of treatment for voice disorders. Voice disorders are defined, their frequency of occurrence is reported, and their impact on individuals is documented. Treatment related to vocal misuse, medical or physical conditions, and psychogenic disorders are discussed and case studies are presented. (Author/CR)

A study examined detailed data on 100 consecutive Special Populations Assessment and Rehabilitation Center patients and found the program to be successful in conducting interdisciplinary visual evaluations of those with multiple impairments. The types of adaptive-testing procedures used for visual acuity and visual field testing are described. (CR)

A study examined the practices of 121 school-based intervention teams from Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Findings revealed several positive practices by teams from all states; however, teams from Illinois displayed consistent superiority across several measures. Discussion focuses on implications for practice and educational and legal reform.…

This article suggests the need to embed social skills intervention within the more general context of long-term early intervention efforts that promote all dimensions of developmental performance. Results from former clients of the LEAP program are discussed and demonstrate evidence of sustained growth and development over nearly two decades.…

This survey of 336 New Mexico regular and special educators investigated their perceptions of the benefits and problems of inclusion. Results indicated skepticism and a mixed opinion about potential benefits of inclusion and an overwhelming expectation that problems would be inherent in a unified system of education. (CR)

Using a Delphi approach, 10 experts identified 186 practices from the fields of transition and dropout prevention that would be effective with high-risk students, including those with mild disabilities. Rating these practices indicates that many prevention practices are important and feasible to implement. (SLD)

A study of 83 children (ages 10-18) with behavior disorders in seven types of programs (parent training programs, outpatient clinic, family preservation programs, treatment foster care, residential group home, acute-care shelter, and inpatient psychiatric hospital) found a high level of correspondence between program restrictiveness and severity…

A study examined the role of functional analysis as the basis for development of behavior management programs for three preschool boys with developmental disabilities. The maintaining factors for all three boys were relatively easily identified during formal functional analysis assessment and effective intervention programs were designed and…

This article reviews relevant theory and the practical implications of measuring assistive technology outcomes of students with disabilities. Rasch Measurement Scaling, Time Series Concurrent and Differential Approach, and the Multi-Attribute Utility Model are proposed for potential use in assistive technology outcome measurement and future…

Coaches and players were assisted in modifying select rules of a girls' fast-pitch softball league so as to accommodate the skill limitations of a player with moderate to severe disabilities. The girl's batting average and on-base average indicated that modifications were effective. The player was well received by her teammates and other teams.…

An early childhood special education program to foster appreciation of diversity is described. Suggestions are offered for ways to use books and activities to celebrate diversity. Sociograms before and after the program indicated improved attitudes by most children toward peers of diverse colors, cultures, and backgrounds. (DB)

This article discusses critical components needed to ensure a durable and substantive role for self-determination in the field of developmental disabilities: a conceptually compelling and operational description of self-determination, a reliable assessment method, and documentation that efforts to improve self-determination are associated with…

This response to a previous article (EC 625 845) on the needs and challenges related to the assessment of self-determination in the field of developmental disability, identifies issues related to the use and abuse of assessing self-determination and suggests an empowerment evaluation approach to these efforts. (Contains four references.)…