A study investigated the impact of the use of the Vermont Interdependent Services Team Approach (VISTA) by seven individual student-planning teams on students (ages 5-13) with deaf-blindness educated in inclusive classes with individually determined support services. Greater implementation of decisions made using VISTA increased the likelihood of…

A study evaluated a pre-work assessment for predicting task preferences during supported work with an individual with profound mental retardation as well as deafness and blindness. Results of the workers' choices indicate the pre-work assessment predicted tasks that the worker preferred to perform during his routine job. (Author/CR)

The study describes environmental and personal factors that, from the student perspective, impede participation in education in secondary upper schools by students with postlingual deafblindness. The discussion is framed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. The researchers use the theory of social recognition…

This report describes the development of two sets of videotapes on early tactile signaling and on interactive signing systems to be used with individuals who are deaf-blind. A tactile signal is defined as a touch cue, tactile gesture, and/or action cue, and these motions help to promote communication for the child who is deaf-blind. The process of…

This guide is intended to help individuals with deaf-blindness or other severe disabilities and the people involved with them to plan positive futures. An introduction notes that Personal Futures Planning is different from other planning meetings in that all participants are there voluntarily, there are no rules, and the planning is done…

This circular lists national organizations and print and audiovisual resources on areas of service to persons with deaf blindness, including rehabilitation, education, information and referral, recreation, and sources for adaptive devices and products. Section I is an alphabetical list of 40 national organizations and resources, including…

Recent trends in interpretive work emphasize visitor involvement rather than material presentation. New considerations are being given to involving persons handicapped physically or mentally. This article is concerned with the types of handicaps most frequently encountered and the means to facilitate the involvement of those persons in an…

Use of videotaping in behavioral observation audiometry was tested with 21 multi-handicapped children enrolled in a program for the deaf-blind. (Author/LS)

The authors describe personal experiences with Usher's Syndrome, a condition involving visual impairment (due to Retinitis Pigmentosa) and deafness. Prevalence and onset of Usher's Syndrome are described along with characteristics of two different types. Problems connected with diagnosis are reviewed, including genetic aspects and the progressive…

A survey of 33 administrators, 62 teachers, and 44 parents of deaf-blind children, and interviews with 50 deaf-blind adults were analyzed to determine the services needed by this population and to examine demographic characteristics. Demographic factors (age, sex, institutionalization, and geographic distribution) are reviewed, and varying…

This guide describes methods to help parents and others reduce the unacceptable behaviors of children with multiple sensory impairments and replace those behaviors with acceptable ones. The guide recommends that the behavior change program begin with simple changes so that both the parents and the child gain experience in changing behavior. The…

The paper provides an overview of a prelanguage program that was developed for a low functioning, 7 1/2-year-old congenitally deaf-blind child. It is explained that the program was based on principles and procedures as they related to operant behaviors, that reinforcement techniques were continually applied, and that a great deal of successive…