This report describes a project that uses existing data sets to describe the population of students with significant cognitive disabilities and known or suspected dual sensory loss. It includes students with suspected dual sensory loss because students with significant cognitive disabilities are reported to have unidentified sensory loss (Erickson…

California's system of special education served about 718,000 students in 2014-15, or about 11.5 percent of the K-12 population. It is expensive, consuming some $12 billion in federal, state, and local dollars annually. Special education operates within a legal framework that sets it apart from the rest of the K-12 system. The state's enactment of…

The state of California has recently emerged from deep recession and associated reductions in early childhood programs and has moved into a period of reinvestment in child care, preschool, and transitional kindergarten (TK). In fiscal year (FY) 2014-15, the Budget Act included over $273 million for early learning and child development and restored…

This paper analyzes data from the Supplement on Aging (1984 Health Interview Survey) and cites improvements in survey design which account for dramatic increases in the number of elderly with severe visual impairments. Statistical tables on percentage distribution of visual problems by age and prevalence of severe impairments are included. (JDD)

Based on findings of the Vocational Training and Placement of the Severely Handicapped Project (VOTAP), the handbook identifies major barriers preventing the severely handicapped from obtaining vocational training and employment, and includes a description of strategies that can be used to surmount these barriers. Initial sections cover use of the…

A 1993-94 update on special education program activities and funding in Idaho is presented. After an overview of accomplishments in special education as a whole during 1993-94, activities supporting gifted and talented programs are identified, including a state guide for gifted education, regional planning meetings, curriculum workshops, and…

This Policy Research Brief summarizes longitudinal national statistics on the number and characteristics of persons with mental retardation and related conditions living in state institutions, their movement into and out of those institutions, the costs of state institutions, and the growing numbers of closures of these institutions. Findings are…

The monograph presents with work of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH) regarding best practices for physical and occupational therapy and speech/communication services for individuals with severe disabilities. The document consists of a position paper, list of readings, survey results, and an article on training needs. The…

This report presents results from a fiscal year 1990 survey of supported employment funding and implementation in state vocational rehabilitation (VR) systems, and a 5-year longitudinal analysis of the national supported employment initiative. The report is based on a survey of representatives from the vocational service provider agencies from the…

This paper presents findings of a 1987-1988 survey of 966 parents of children with serious emotional disturbances. The questionnaire addressed issues concerned with seeking and receiving information and services, sources of formal and informal support, and perceptions of the effect of their child's disability on family life. Among specific issues…

This project involved a national survey of Indian Health Sevice (IHS) agencies to assess the working environment, the extent to which IHS agencies employ and provide support services for persons with disabilities, and the need for program and consumer services to enhance the employability of American Indians with disabilities. A total of 676…

The General Accounting Office (GAO) examined the allocation of vocational rehabilitation (VR) funds to determine whether and how states are prioritizing VR services to individuals with the most severe disabilities through the order-of-selection procedure mandated in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. GAO visited VR agencies in 20 states and analyzed…

During 1999-2000 school year, the North Carolina Alternate Assessment Portfolio was administered to eligible students with serious cognitive deficits statewide as a pilot program. This report provides state, regional, and local education agency results of that pilot program. The purpose of the pilot was to review the feasibility, validity, and…

This report of a 1990-1995 Arizona project describes progress in providing educational services for students with severe disabilities in integrated school and community settings. Information is provided on supporting school districts through: statewide training opportunities; school-based technical assistance; an interagency project advisory…

A survey of 258 North Carolina families with children (ages 3 to 12) having emotional disturbances focused on: (1) the wide range of characteristics of the child, family, and community; (2) characteristics that families bring to their situation as well as characteristics that can be changed by experience and the use of resources and services; and…