This review of behavioral research on teaching individuals with profound multiple handicaps found that behavior change has resulted from contingency management interventions, but the behavior changes cannot be described as beneficially affecting the individuals' quality of life. Explanations for this are offered, and suggestions for future…

This study investigated the semantic and syntactic knowledge of a child (age 12) with severe multiple disabilities who could read, write, and comprehend 2 languages but did not initiate conversation. The study demonstrates that high levels of language comprehension and ability to read and write do not automatically transfer to conversational…

A study analyzed the process of inclusive education experienced by 20 parents of children with severe disabilities. Results found that the process of inclusion extended beyond the parents' initial placement decision to their ongoing involvement at the school site. At the schools, parents actively participated in the work of inclusion. (Author/CR)

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…

An overview of the psychological literature provides support for theoretical explanations of the rapid adoption of facilitated communication for use with individuals with severe communication disorders, despite the lack of empirical support. The influence of cognitive biases, ambiguous stimuli, biases in data, psychological influences, and social…

Evaluates three training techniques for enhancing independent living skills and examines differential treatment efficacy. Results, based on 30 severely or profoundly mentally retarded adults, indicate that the control group failed to achieve the results of the two treatment groups. Findings support the necessity of implementing updated treatment…

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 examined the effects of switch training on the communication of four functionally nonverbal elementary students with severe disabilities and autism. Results indicated switch training was an effective strategy for helping the students communicate a simple message. The benefits of switch use and implications for research are discussed.…

This article shares how four students with severe disabilities in one Kentucky classroom achieved a "distinguished" rating, the highest rating, on their alternate portfolios by using the IntelliKeys keyboard as an alternative computer input device for the production of the alternate portfolio. It discusses tips for customizing IntelliKeys…

Seventy inclusive classroom teachers nominated students for whom they felt particular attitudes of attachment, concern, indifference, and rejection. Students with either severe or obvious disabilities were significantly overrepresented in the indifference category; whereas students with mild or hidden disabilities were overrepresented in the…

This article describes a motion video CD-ROM program designed to assist youth with severe disabilities in the selection of job preferences. Traditional vocational interest inventories for individuals with disabilities and video and CD-ROM career exploration programs for typical youth are presented, then the specialized CD-ROM program is described.…

A review of eight studies investigated the life quality of people caring for a relative with a severe disability within their family. An analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data indicate that primary caregivers are at considerable risk of high stress, clinical depression, and abnormally low subjective quality of life. (Contains…

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…

As the profiles of four mentally handicapped teenagers show, students with severe disabilities can benefit from being included in subject-area classes. To facilitate inclusion, teachers can allow peers to facilitate learning, prime students to be successful participants, give students valued roles, utilize existing expertise, and adapt the…

"Disc Jockey" is described as a classroom activity for junior high students with moderate/severe disabilities. The disc jockey of the day chooses music and operates a classroom tape recorder. The activity encourages students to learn days of the week, communication skills, age-appropriate behavior, and motor skills, and to develop feelings of…