The article describes a structured approach to teaching sign language to severely disabled students through task analysis. The approach emphasizes four basic principles from developmental and behavioral theories: (1) environmental influence, (2) imitation, (3) reinforcement, (4) practice. A functional sign vocabulary of 250 words grouped according…

The project used multiple adaptive methods and teaching procedures to reinforce school mobility skills for seven severely handicapped secondary students. Student ambulation became more functional when present skills were reinforced by sequential teaching with daily practice. (CL)

A six-phase process for transferring classroom skills taught to moderately and severely handicapped students to the home environment is described. Steps center on cooperative goal planning, curriculum, cooperative evaluation, teaching for transfer, parent-professional cooperation, and evaluation. (CL)

The article presents a checklist for determining the extent of integration of severely handicapped students into regular school environments. The 14 item list is explained to be useful in identifying environments (such as the cafeteria, assembly programs, recess, and school hallways) in which integration of severely handicapped students should be…

The article describes equipment which was designed, constructed, or adapted and used in a classroom of physically handicapped children. Offered for each piece of equipment is information on purpose, construction, and uses or variations, along with an illustration. (SBH)

General case programing can enhance generalization in individuals with severe disabilities. Making the procedure effective involves: considering activities appropriate for general case programing, selecting examples for teaching and probe testing, determining order of presentation of examples, and determining location of instruction. A list of…

The article reviews the efforts (since 1976) of a group of parents and teachers in Agueda, Portugal, to obtain public education for severely handicapped children in integrated primary, elementary, and secondary school classroom settings. (DB)

Camp Riverwood (Massachusetts), sponsored by the National Football League Players Association, provides moderately and severely disabled persons with opportunities for adventure activities and new games stressing personal initiative and group cooperation. Participants discuss the activities and their feelings. Benefits have included affective…

Inflatable swim rings are inexpensive, familiar, compact, and facilitate appropriate positioning for the educational programing of severely motorically involved infants and preschoolers. Case studies of two infants illustrate use of the inflatables. (DB)

To identify age-appropriate recreation and leisure activities for students with severe handicaps, 142 nondisabled seventh graders were surveyed. The survey identified favorite independent activities, activities with friends, activities with family, school activities, home activities, community activities, magazines, music groups, card and board…

Suggestions are given for self-operated prompting strategies to help severely handicapped students perform independently in the community, vocational, or classroom setting. Guidelines are given for developing pictorial prompts and auditory (tape recorded) prompts.(DB)

An interview with the winner of the 1985 Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year Award touches on her lack of burnout as a teacher of severely handicapped students, her approach to problem solving, and her relationships with administrators and other teachers. (CL)

The Auto-Com, a communication device developed by a multidisciplinary team of educators, therapists and engineering students, has made it possible for a 16-year-old severely handicapped boy with cerebral palsy to communicate quickly and efficiently through printed symbols. (Author/CL)

Two severely handicapped elementary-aged children who participated in a home-based domestic skills program became more independent in performing the domestic tasks involved in their daily routine. Besides generalization to their home environment, the program also featured such advantages as the involvement of significant others and facilitated…

Approaches to enhance the integration of severely handicapped students into community activities should be based on specific goals and objectives specified in the Individualized Education Program. Procedures for carrying out a community integration placement begin with assessment of community resources and progress to advertising the program and…