A study assessed whether the impact of a microswitch-based program on indices of happiness would be comparable with that of a stimulation program on three persons with profound multiple disabilities. The microswitch-based program produced increases that were fairly clear for two participants and quite modest for the third. (Contains references.)…

A study investigated how positive behavior support was experienced and understood by team members (n=19) from four residential, community-based teams who achieved positive outcomes for adults with severe challenging behaviors. Findings from the study depict an overall culture of support consisting of interrelated layers of social context.…

The use of works by T. S. Eliot, James Joyce, and Shakespeare in interactive and experiential sessions with pupils with severe disabilities are described. A case study in assessment is provided by evaluating responses of one adolescent and showing how a Shakespeare workshop enabled her to become an active learner. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

A study examined parent and caregiver perceptions of educational opportunities for 17 students with severe disabilities in an inclusive high school and 27 students with severe disabilities in a high school that focused on community-based programs. Results indicate that interview participants supported inclusive schools and believed children were…

A survey of 138 Australian therapists providing services to students with severe disabilities found their role perception was consistent with a contemporary functional approach and that practices associated with a collaborative team approach received both a higher level of agreement and reported implementation than practices not associated with…

The importance of communication skills for students with the most significant disabilities is highlighted. Specific attention is paid to the need to recognize and understand unconventional means of communication. Ideas for augmenting the student's communicative efforts are provided, and the critical importance of team collaboration is emphasized.…

This article provides an overview of programs based in post-secondary settings in Maryland that serve students ages 18-21 with significant disabilities who are still receiving public school special education services. Student and setting characteristics, staffing, funding patterns, referral and admission practices, and program components are…

A study of 10 Korean American parents of children with disabilities found limited English proficiency was the biggest barrier in forming partnerships with professionals, four cited feelings of racial discrimination, five parents felt a lack of connections, and most appreciated teachers who encouraged children's potential and did not emphasize…

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a newly identified respiratory disease that threatened Taiwan between April 14 and July 5, 2003. Chang Gung University experienced various SARS-related episodes, such as the postponement of classes for 7 days, the reporting of probable SARS cases, and the isolation of students under Level A and B…

Happiness is a critical indicator of quality of life in humans. A few studies have measured levels of happiness displayed under different conditions by individuals with profound multiple disabilities. We were interested in determining whether increasing the mindfulness of caregivers would result in increased levels of happiness in adults with…

This paper describes the use of a new project, "from the inside looking out" (FILO) (N. Richardson Unpublished data), to develop communication, interaction and emotional literacy skills with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The authors utilized tools derived from Intensive Interaction Therapy [D. Hewett & M. Nind (1994)…

Background: This study examined whether daily choice availability for adults with intellectual disability was consistent with Nirje's (1973) normalisation principle. Method: Ratings of the daily choice availability of 59 people with intellectual disability in group homes and 198 individuals without intellectual disability in family homes were…

The author argues that Terri Schiavo was a "person with a disability" who faced disability discrimination, a view that is consistent with national disability rights groups. The author notes that Schiavo was not "terminally ill" and that feeding tubes should not be considered "medical equipment." The belief that people with severe disabilities want…

Transition planning to assist students with severe disabilities to move from school to a positive adult future is of great concern for the young people and their families and friends. For more than a decade, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) within the U.S. Department of Education has researched quality of life issues in transition…

Problem behavior can interfere with learning, the development of appropriate skills, and socialization in persons with developmental disabilities. In severe cases, problem behavior could result in life-threatening injury. For one 21-month-old participant diagnosed with autism engaging in severe problem behavior for whom reinforcement-based…