This article reports on research undertaken to investigate how multi-sensory storytelling (MSST) was being used within schools for students with profound and multiple learning difficulties and other special educational needs. Semi-structured interviews (n?=?27) and observations (n?=?18) were undertaken in five schools in the East Midlands and…

Background: A digital micro-intervention offering attachment psychoeducational videos was explored regarding its feasibility in parents of children with severe disabilities. Method: A mixed-methods study (including daily diaries and one-time questionnaires) with 16 parents (75.0% female) of children with severe disabilities (up to 10 years of age)…

(1.1) Background: Research assent is a term used with those deemed vulnerable, for whom modifications and additional considerations are required when requesting their voluntary agreement to participate in research. (1.2) Methods: The authors' research experiences and inclusive research principles were integrated with a review of literature on…

Objectives: The present study evaluated a new smartphone-based program to help 12 participants with intellectual disability plus visual and motor impairments to self-regulate their stimulation input (thus avoiding their dependence on staff) through simple non-verbal responses. Method: Nonconcurrent multiple baseline designs across participants…

Background: The life expectancy of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) is increasing and parents express concerns about being possibly outlived by their child with PIMD. However, little is known about the nature of these concerns. Method: We interviewed 27 parents of persons with PIMD and analysed the data…

Shared storybook reading offers a potentially rich context for supporting language and communication development in students with severe intellectual disabilities and complex communication needs. Following the framework of community-engaged scholarship, the research team responded to a request for assistance from a special education teacher who…

Background: Since the life expectancy of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) is increasing, siblings may take over care/support roles from their parents. Method: To explore how parents and siblings of persons with PIMD view siblings' role regarding future care/support for their family member, we interviewed eight…

Introduction: Little is known about the effects of specific behavioral strategies to reduce stereotypy and self-injury for learners with sensory impairments and additional disabilities. Method: A single-subject, multi-treatment withdrawal design was used to test the isolated and combined effects of physical prompting to engage in object…

Background: People with severe-to-profound intellectual disabilities often lack meaningful interactions with others. Communication partners need to be skilled in identifying and responding to often-subtle behaviours. One method of facilitating interaction is the use of sensory-based stimuli. Method: This study measured the impact of sensory-based…

Background: We investigated the effects of the "Care for Participation+" (CFP+) intervention on direct support professionals' (DSPs') attitudes regarding the participation of adults with visual and severe or profound intellectual disabilities (VSPID). Methods: We implemented a pilot non-randomized controlled trial with two control groups…

This study examined the effectiveness of the intensive implementation of a multicomponent reading intervention (Voyager Passport) with 306 fourth grade students with severe reading difficulties. Students with reading comprehension achievement below the 15%ile in the fall of fourth grade were randomly assigned to the intensive intervention or to…

Previous research suggests that physical education teacher education (PETE) programs offer few adapted courses and provide limited hands-on experiences with teaching students with disabilities, specifically those in a self-contained environment. This study aimed to analyze PETE students' and classroom teachers' perceptions of a field experience…

Amidst decades of attention directed toward improving employment outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), few efforts have been made to engage communities in identifying local solutions for expanding integrated employment opportunities. We examined the implementation and outcomes of "community…

The National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of People With Severe Disabilities (NJC) reviewed literature regarding practices for people with severe disabilities in order to update guidance provided in documents originally published in 1992. Changes in laws, definitions, and policies that affect communication attainments by persons…

Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004 established procedural mandates and accountability requirements ensuring all students with disabilities participate and progress in general education curriculum. Broadly speaking, improvements toward greater access have been found for many students with disabilities;…