A study evaluated effects of providing sampling opportunities on preference development of two adults with severe disabilities. Opportunities for sampling drink items were presented, followed by choice opportunities for selections at the sampling site and a non-sampling site. Participants developed a definite response consistency in selections at…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief, 2-minute pre-session stimulus preference assessment in predicting the levels of responding of four students (ages 6-9) with profound multiple disabilities. Use of the identified preferred stimulus resulted in higher levels of student responding during the instructional condition across all four…

This article describes a "paid co-worker support" model which enables individuals with multiple disabilities (including severe mental retardation) to maintain competitive employment. A job coach trained two workers with severe disabilities in job skills, and a paid co-worker in support skills; both workers successfully maintained…

This paper examines contributions of a functional curriculum approach to achievement of functional communication by students with moderate/severe disabilities. It proposes that best practice needs to focus more specifically on the quality of social interactions with students throughout the day, by emphasizing the role of communication partners in…

This study evaluated nondisabled high school students' attitudinal change toward students with severe disabilities through inclusion of special-education students in two service-learning projects, one in which disabled students contributed to the project and one in which they received the service. Findings indicated that the equal-participation…

Data were gathered on 19 variables representing instructional contexts and engaged behavior of 29 students with severe disabilities educated in general education elementary classrooms. Results indicate that students were provided a comprehensive array of instructional activities with a greater proportion of instruction provided through academic…

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a training program for behavioral aides providing individualized support for adults with severe disabilities and challenging behaviors in a day treatment center found all five participants were able to show marked increases in their clients' social and physical community integration. The training program focused…

Happiness indices were observed during naturally occurring work and leisure activities for individuals with severe (n=12) and profound (n=7) disabilities. Both groups showed more happiness indices during leisure activities, although the difference for the profound group was smaller. There was also a significant difference between groups for…

A teaching procedure incorporated high-probability request sequences to increase low-probability communication behaviors of a 4-year old and an 8-year old with severe disabilities. Findings included increases in communication responses by both participants, as well as increases in unprompted communication responses by one participant. (Author/DB)

A study investigated the perceptions of general education high school students who participated in a structured peer buddy service learning program designed to increase their social interactions with students with severe disabilities. Participants reported having positive attitudes toward their peers with severe disabilities and experienced…

Findings of a study in which four elementary general-education teachers commented on the inclusion of students with significant disabilities within general-education classrooms indicated that children with disabilities were described and observed as full classroom members. Difficulties were related to designing and implementing appropriate and…

A study investigated parent and sibling perspectives on the inclusion of 21 children with moderate or severe disabilities. Both parents and siblings believed the children were capable, wanted to have the children around typical peers as much as possible, and had general satisfaction with the amount and type of inclusion. (Contains extensive…

Interviews were conducted with three special and three general educators during the initial year of the return of students with moderate/severe disabilities to three rural schools. Teachers' perspectives were compared across the three schools, as well as to critical elements of successful inclusion identified in recent literature. Disparities…

Discusses some of the issues associated with effective instruction for students with severe disabilities enrolled in general education classes. It is argued that developing a valid technology of instruction will require the field to reconceptualize our current model of teaching and learning for this group of students. (Author/CR)

A study of eight students with moderate to severe disabilities investigated the nature of their involvement in transition planning during their final year of high school. Teachers and parents made little investment in preparing students for their transition planning meetings, and none were active participants with designated roles. (Contains…