Provides communications tips for trainers who are not native English speakers: speak slowly and distinctly; memorize unusual pronunciation sounds; avoid emphasizing the wrong syllables. Suggests that the best way to become a better speaker is to practice. (JOW)

This article presents guidelines for providing individuals with severe disabilities with a wide range of personal choices. It provides a rationale for teaching all individuals to participate in meaningful choice-making; describes basic types of choices; and suggests ways to generalize choice-making skills across settings, times, and people. (DB)

A computer program was developed to help train three multihandicapped (hearing losses, visual impairments, and mental handicaps) adolescent students to make simple drawings on paper. Students traced sample drawings on the computer using a lightpen. Improved freehand drawing performance was demonstrated following training for all three students.…

Describes a training program developed by AT&T that videotaped a training program originally delivered by satellite broadcast and then synchronized the video course delivery at various locations. Interaction with the instructor via a conference call, including explaining the use of the accompanying printed materials, is discussed. (LRW)

Two experiments with five individuals having severe mental retardation identified some problems and limits in training reversals of previously learned discrimination tasks using stimulus control shaping methodology. (DB)

This special issue includes 13 articles that address the need for educating library support staff. Highlights include certification of support staff; examples; attending relevant conferences; support staff in professional organizations; a model for staff development and training; union versus nonunion benefits; networking; and mentoring. (LRW)

Examines the Triad Training Model for training counselors to better articulate a client's internal dialog during simulated counseling interviews. The theoretical basis for the model is discussed, positive and negative feedback is considered, and supporting research is presented. (Contains 20 references.) (LRW)

Using an ABAB design, two procedures for requesting a change of activity were compared for their effect on the stereotypic behavior of a man with autism. One procedure requested immediate change of activities, whereas the second procedure gave advance notice of a change. Less stereotypy occurred when advance notice of change was given. (Author/DB)

This article describes methods of teaching clients with severe visual impairments to be aware of safety in crossing streets without traffic controls. It describes and evaluates a timing method for assessing the detection of vehicles and a timing method for assessing the speed and distance of vehicles. Case examples illustrate use of the methods.…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of combining two training procedures (task-size fading and automatic prompting) in increasing the unsupervised responding of two adult subjects with severe/profound mental retardation. Results suggest the effectiveness of this combination of training methods. (DB)

Two experiments, involving a total of 126 subjects with mental retardation (mental age from 5-11 years), found that subjects were less likely than controls to employ the "difference rule" (communicate to the listener how a referent is different from other stimuli) and that perceptual feedback training enhances referential communication…

Describes how two Peace Corps volunteers used elements of indigenous culture to help village leaders in the Pacific Islands learn about management, planning, and brainstorming. (JOW)

The growth of credit unions in Britain engendered a need for training their officers, mostly volunteers. However, a survey of 44 development officers found little national coordination of training and no uniform syllabus or system of qualifications. (SK)

This study examined issues of communicative control for residential program staff and eight individuals with deaf-blindness and mental retardation. For six of the subjects, communication was initiated and dominated by others in the environment. Rate of communication with other residents and visitors was extremely low. Implications for…

This study evaluated the efficiency of an eight-hour parent training course for parents (n=32) of autistic children in Singapore. Parents evaluated the training methods (with theoretical, applied, and emotional bases) positively in terms of usefulness and comfort. The assumption that Asians would not be comfortable sharing their problems was not…