We examined the effects of presession levels of attention (no attention vs. continuous attention) during subsequent alone and attention-extinction conditions for an individual with severe disabilities and problem behavior. A prior functional analysis indicated that attention was a primary maintaining variable for problem behavior. Experimental…

Five case studies illustrate the use of generalized compliance training with students who have severe behavior problems. Based on extinction and generalization processes, the approach consists of five phases: (1) assessment to determine the nature and severity of noncompliance; (2)initial instruction demonstrating the consequences of compliance…

Two pilot efforts were undertaken to teach moderately and severely handicapped children music. In the first, moderately and severely handicapped children were found capable of making gains in rhythm, melody, and keyboard after 3 months of weekly half hour group music instruction sessions and three weekly half hour practice sessions. Ss did not…

Total task (single trial instruction) and backward chaining (multiple trials instruction) were used to teach eight children with severe handicaps. Total task, single trial instruction resulted in superior acquisition of independent steps in the training setting for three students. In all cases, instructional time was substantially less for total…

The author suggests that some Canadians may consider American services for learners with severe handicaps to be better merely because they are American. It is concluded that Canadians should focus on providing the best possible education for all students, irrespective of how it may compare to American education. (Author/CL)

Effectiveness of neurophysiological facilitation procedures (exteroceptive and proprioceptive stimulation) was evaluated on lip closure, rotary chewing, and food spilling from the mouth of four severely disabled children (3-12 years old). Some improvements in eating skills were found in each student following facilitation procedures. (CL)

The article examines the process of appointing guardianship for the severely disabled, its legal and therapeutic implications, and some alternatives to guardianship. In addition, the role of habilitation personnel in providing protective services is addressed. (Author/SB)

A survey examined admission barriers, client and disability variables, program content, and levels of school/agency cooperation in adult activity, work activity, and sheltered workshops in a midwestern state which has a representative urban-suburban-rural profile. (Author/SB)

An astonishing tract has been published that involves a plan for the modification of the growth of children with severe developmental disabilities by administering hormonal treatments designed to arrest growth at an early age (Gunther & Diekema, 2006). The schema put forth is based upon the concern of the authors for the burdensome effect families…

All teacher preparation programs face serious challenges; however, programs that prepare teachers to work with students with extensive support needs face additional, unique challenges in preparing professionals to facilitate their students' development of functional skills and to ensure their access to the general education curriculum. The purpose…

Early work experiences have been advocated as an important avenue for equipping youth with disabilities with the skills, attitudes, opportunities, and aspirations needed to transition successfully to meaningful careers after high school. We examined the efficacy and social validity of a multicomponent intervention package--composed of…

Students with disabilities should not only be members of general education classrooms, but must also be able to learn meaningful skills in those settings, not just socialize with peers. This article reviews effective teaching methods and their contextual fit with the working of a general education classroom. The response to intervention (RtI)…

This case highlights one principal's struggle to reconcile his philosophy of full inclusion with the best interests of a student with serious emotional disturbance. It raises a number of issues that bring to light challenges posed by a system of full inclusion. It also provides an opportunity for educational leadership students and administrators…

Background: Increased post-void residual urine volume (PVR) is often seen in geriatric populations. People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have risk factors in common with these populations. Aims: To investigate in adults with ID: (1) Feasibility of portable ultrasound bladder scanning; (2) Prevalence of PVR; and (3) Relations with proposed…

This phenomenological case study examines one family's lived experience as they advocated for appropriate and effective services in inclusive classes for a member of their family who had significant disabilities. Findings suggest the need for effective professional development if school personnel are to effectively educate students with…