Compared to nonreactive toys (ones without or with restricted sensory feedback), reactive toys had a substantially greater influence on the amount of time each of three severely disabled children (6-9 years old) spent in manipulative activity. Comparative effects of two toy classes on visual attention to toy play were inconclusive. (CL)

Student preference of sensory reinforcers was investigated using three mentally retarded, multiply physically disabled males (four-seven years old). Results suggest that severely disabled students have individualized preferences for various sensory reinforcers. (Author/CL)

The use of a trained paraprofessional in a response reduction procedure with a self-stimulating severely/multiply disabled 12 year old resulted in a decrease in self-stimulation and an increase in socially relevant behavior. (CL)

This study observed ten students with profound and multiple disabilities, with particular attention paid to social and communicative variables operating in educational settings. Comparisons are made with other published studies of behavior state assessment and socio-communicative processes observed in special education programs. (Contains…

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…

An art teacher describes her experiences in teaching three classes of moderately/severely mentally retarded and multiply handicapped students (6-16 years old). Instruction focused on sensory experiences which involved a variety of materials and creative activities. Lesson plans were prepared based on information gathered in a questionnaire…

Two introductory manuals, written as part of a practicum to meet the staff needs in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania School District's severely/profoundly impaired (SPI) programs, focus on selecting goals and activities that are age appropriate for SPI students. Introductory materials review judicial rulings regarding Philadelphia's services for SPI…

Productivity of four severely multiply disabled elementary students on a paper-and-pencil task was increased with an externally managed token economy. Ss were then instructed to self-manage the token economy. Two of the four subjects accurately self-managed the token economy, although all subjects maintained productivity levels. (Author/CL)

The study investigated how the responses of three multihandicapped students (seven-eight years old) differed in 1:1 and 3:1 arrangements. Results indicated that the students made more task-relevant responses and fewer counterproductive responses during the 1:3 than during the 1:1 arrangements when the data from the free time portions were included…

The interview with Beth Langley, an award winning teacher of students with profound visual and multiply handicapping conditions, examined her choice of special education as a career, her classroom management techniques, personal rewards she receives from teaching, and trends in special education she has observed. (DB)

The effects of an overcorrection procedure on stereotypic behavior of two students (ages 11 and 12) with severe multiple handicaps were investigated in a cooperative school/home program. Results indicated successful implementation of overcorrection by professionals, paraprofessionals, and parents in both school and home settings. (Author/DB)

The noncompliant behavior of a severely multihandicapped 6-year-old boy was modified through an antecedent manipulation. Responding to teacher requests within 5 seconds was measured under three conditions: decreased commands, increased commands, and unconditional commands with contingent consequation. A multielement design employed across…

Two students (ages 7 and 8) who were totally blind with profound motor impairments and mental retardation were provided with optic microswitches. The use of optic microswitches for simple hand responses, combined with the availability of pleasant stimuli for the responses, proved successful with both students. (Contains 9 references.) (CR)

Teachers and support personnel (n=38) were asked to use an eight-item Likert-type survey to rate one of three assessment packages for students with severe to profound multiple disabilities: standardized, functional-ecological, and a combined package. The functional-ecological approach was perceived to be most beneficial for educational…