General and specific strategies useful in facilitating an integrated educational environment for children with severe disabilities are presented. Strategies include, among others, identifying and facilitating natural supports, using a participation approach, demonstrating success locally, recruiting collaborators, communicating with all members of…

Three seriously emotionally disturbed children were trained in techniques for self-evaluation for demonstrating appropriate behavior. Student use of those techniques in the classroom indicates generalization to that environment did occur. (MSE)

Method of treatment of self-injurious behaviors for three severely retarded students (ages six-seven) was selected by matching one of three hypotheses (self-stimulation, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement) to a judgment concerning cause. Results supported the argument that treatment programs should be based on a functional analysis of…

Two social validation studies assessed the vocational gains of six high school students with severe or multiple handicaps over a five-month training period. Comparison by special education teachers and university business students of pre- and post-video vignettes found significant improvements in work behaviors, breaktime skills, and getting ready…

Parents (N=202) of students with severe/profound disabilities were surveyed concerning their children's educational programing in four curricular domains: domestic, community, vocational, and leisure. Parent satisfaction with programing was high. They rated the domestic domain as most important, the vocational next, the community third, and…

This case study documents the successful use of a cognitive development-based instructional protocol to teach automatic linear scanning for computer access to a young child with severe physical and communication disabilities (cerebral palsy). The instructional program is discussed in terms of cognitive/developmental theory, educational…

This article describes amendments of the 1992 Rehabilitation Act Amendments which address choice and self-determination for people with disabilities. It also considers barriers within the vocational rehabilitation service system that prevent many individuals with severe disabilities from choosing integrated employment. (Author/DB)

The Individualized Education Program of an 11-year-old boy with severe disabilities was written to emphasize development of social skills and friendships. Opportunities to develop friendships were created, classmates examined their feelings about the meaning of friendship, and parents' and teachers' reactions were assessed. (JDD)

A preservice teacher practicum supervision model being implemented at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is intended to facilitate quality supervision and practicum experiences for preservice teacher candidates in the area of severe disabilities. The model has been systematically developed and components have been and are being…

A survey of 183 Hawaii students (ages 15-19) and interviews with a subsample of 93 students investigated subjects' memories about elementary school experiences involving peers with severe disabilities. Analysis revealed that earlier social contact resulted in more positive attitudes, higher levels of current reported social contact, and more…

This study of the effects of child age (20 and 40 months) and level of developmental delay (mild and severe) on identification of developmental disorders by 155 family practice physicians provided evidence that identification of developmental delay was generally high across conditions, with mild delay being less likely to be detected. (Author/JDD)

This article explains how a 12-year-old boy with profound mental retardation and autistic behaviors, living in a group home, was taught to follow number- and color-coded directions so that he could independently cook his own meals in a microwave oven. The article covers materials used, the skills taught, adaptations for classroom use, and safety…

Strategies and considerations for establishing initial communication repertoires in young children with severe disabilities are described using a case example of a four-year-old nonverbal child. Issues include: assessing unconventional forms of communication, motivating the child when being taught new communication forms, and promoting…

This article discusses development and implementation of a community-based residential program for deaf blind young adults at the Hilltop House (Texas). The article outlines principles of sound management, realistic staff expectations, developmentally appropriate activities, family participation, crisis management, medication, and close…

The Training Resource Unit is a New South Wales (Australia) community services initiative that provides services such as direct client training, career training, and consultation to individuals with severe intellectual disability and severe challenging behaviors. The service is provided in the person's place of residence, workplace, or school…