The article describes basic approaches to providing augmentative communication modes for severely physically handicapped students. Aspects of selection techniques (direct selection, scanning, multisignal), levels of implementation (such as fully independent and portable aids), and comparisons of flexibility, cost, speed, independence, maintenance,…

A group outcome study evaluated the effectiveness of four treatment procedures in reducing self-injurious behavior among 22 severely handicapped students (mean age 10.5 years). Contingent restraint was most effective in reducing behavior below baseline levels. (Author/CL)

The article presents a checklist for determining the extent of integration of severely handicapped students into regular school environments. The 14 item list is explained to be useful in identifying environments (such as the cafeteria, assembly programs, recess, and school hallways) in which integration of severely handicapped students should be…

The article recalls working with young severely disabled children able to communicate only through eye movements or specially developed communication boards. These children could now be helped by sophisticated computerized technology, standard and specialized forms of which are described. The influence of positioning, portability, and other…

A study involving circuit assembly with four severely handicapped high schoolers indicated that teaching one example of a skill is ineffective for teaching general skills. Multiple training examples or instruction in multiple settings was more effective and resulted in fewer errors. (CL)

The paper synthesizes information about epilepsy (definition and categories of seizures, types of seizures, and treatment) and notes its impact upon persons with severe/profound handicaps. The need for a transdisciplinary team in case management is cited. (CL)

Scheduling guidelines for teachers of severely handicapped students include that instruction should be activity-based and that interaction with nonhandicapped peers should be maximized. Characteristics of the students (physical limitations, age, and reinforcing activities) and of administration (necessary daily activities, personnel, regular…

The paper describes the results of a three-year job placement project for moderately and severely handicapped individuals which developed a training and advocacy approach to placement that involved client training by staff at the job site. A 63-percent retention rate for employees and substantial earnings are reported. (Author/CL)

Significant differences were found between parents and professionals on the impact of severely handicapped children on their families. Professionals overestimated the child's negative impact on family relationship as well as community rejection and lack of support. They underestimated parents' ability to use appropriate teaching and behavior…

The article extends the Individual Curriculum Sequence (ICS) model to small-group instruction with severely handicapped students and emphasizes unique teaching opportunities, including controlling motivational variables, facilitating observational learning, and enhancing generalization. A variety of examples of how data can be recorded for program…

Ethical issues are examined that involve withholding medical treatment from severely handicapped infants. Although current laws do not sanction euthanasia, severely handicapped infants are often assisted in dying. Discussion includes society's apparent acceptance of this practice and several solutions to the problems. (Author)

The paper presents the basics of the design, function, and construction of communication boards for use with the severely disabled. (Author/SW)

Videotape packages that allow for teacher intervention and interaction have been effective with severely handicapped students in terms of basic social skills and visual motor tracking skills, suggesting that microcomputers and other "high tech" approaches may not always be the best answer for severely impaired students. (CL)

After initial efforts to maintain the traditional posture toward learning disabilities in the rewriting of the Rehabilitation Comprehensive Services and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978 (P.L. 95-602), the Rehabilitation Services Administration yielded to a new conceptualization which will now allow the severely LD access to…

Respite care is one resource or support service designed to help the family in its role as primary caregiver to severely disabled individuals. Aspects of respite care needing improvement are time allotted per family, more qualified/skilled respite care workers, and choice of type of service. (SB)