Reviews advances made through research and application of behavior analytic technology for persons with severe disabilities over the past 10 years. The application of technology is discussed in light of ethical and political movements in the field of education. Advances are discussed categorically according to the components of the operant…

Case studies of transportation needs of individuals with severe disabilities illustrate various methods of training them in transportation use and locating options. (SK)

A review of the literature provides a synthesis of 18 years of research on preference assessment with individuals who have severe disabilities. Several procedural variables were identified that may influence the outcome of preference assessment, including context, assessment stimuli, selection response, and format. Recommendations for designing…

This paper comments on three preceding papers in the same publication on the general topic of self-determination for adults with severe disabilities. The author views them as competing ideologies and puts forth guidelines for evaluating any such set. The difficulty of effectively assessing the preferences of individuals with severe disabilities is…

Background: Information on the duration, frequency and content of leisure activities for persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) in residential facilities during weekends was not available. Method: The project was carried out in 2003 and included seven facilities. Interviews were held with direct support professionals…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates parent-professional collaboration. But difficulties between parent and professional collaboration seem to persist. These difficulties do not seem to be related to a lack of mutual respect or lack of good intentions. Perhaps difficulties exist because of a lack of common ground.…

We use this paper to suggest the use of Sen's capability approach in interpreting disability. The substantive focus is our evaluation of the Drake Music Project, which uses electronic and computer technologies to enable severely disabled people to explore, compose and perform music. We consider how the process of making music enables the musicians…

People with learning disabilities are more likely to experience sexual things happening to them when they do not want them to. This is called sexual abuse. A group was started to help women who have been sexually abused. The group met once a week and lasted for 20 weeks. Women who were interested in attending this group were given information…

Based on recent federal legislation, alternate assessments for students with disabilities may now be based on alternate achievement standards, modified achievement standards, or grade-level achievement standards. Although all students with disabilities must access the general curriculum, those with significant cognitive disabilities often do so…

The aim of this study is to examine whether the asymmetrical pattern of communication usually found between people who use augmentative and alternative communication and their partners using natural speech was also found in the interaction between non-vocal young preschool children with cerebral palsy and their parents. Three parent-child dyads…

The paper describes vocational education approaches designed to prepare severely handicapped students for nonsheltered, meaningful work. Training is cumulative, beginning with early childhood training and continuing through middle school, high school, and transition stages. Ecological strategies are advocated to match characteristics of non-school…

The task force report examines the use of adaptive devices by severely handicapped students. Interviews with teachers and therapists produced information on the selection, development, and use of the devices. Four practices that positively influenced the devices' use were identified: (1) design and construction following establishment of…

Differences in the play behavior of three mildly, three moderately/severely handicapped and three nonhandicapped preschoolers were examined. Videotapes of free play interaction were analyzed according to existence and appropriateness of interaction and type of noninteraction (toy-directed, self-directed or non-appropriate). Data were analyzed…

Approaches used in public schools across the country to integrate severely handicapped students with nonhandicapped students are described. Programs have implemented physical integration in a variety of ways, including sending severely handicapped students to neighborhood schools and dispersing classes of severely handicapped students in regular…

The paper reviews problems in the sheltered workshop concept and proposes a change of focus in the provision of occupational life preparatory services for individuals with severe disabilities. Among problems cited are a lack of efficient production and training technologies, a lack of trained community placement personnel, and a general lack of…