The frequency of the child's excess behaviors had significant impact on the nature of identified educational programing priorities, while developmental level did not. (Author/SB)

Rationale and related research are presented to support an individual curriculum sequence (ICS) model for the education and training of severely/multiply handicapped persons. The article discusses several major components of the ICS model: translating assessment into educational objectives, selecting materials for teaching skills, and the…

Mothers of two severely handicapped infants were instructed via task analysis to teach their children three tasks. Results suggested that mothers learned quickly and children acquired, maintained, and generalized the desired responses. (CL)

The study assessed object permanence construct performance in 20 severely handicapped students (4 to 14 years old) who were differentiated by treatment (prompt) condition and motor ability level. Results revealed a trait (motor ability) x treatment interaction. (Author/SB)

Included is information on establishing a system or upgrading existing services, selecting appropriate screening tools, referring persons in need of professional vision care, obtaining appropriate treatment, and providing follow-up services required to ensure that all persons with severe handicaps receive the best possible vision care. (Author/SB)

The article offers ideas for providing appropriate physical, motor, fitness, and play training experiences for children with severe to profound developmental disabilities. Following a section with testing recommendations are general and specific teaching guidelines covering such areas as programing, adaptive equipment, multisensory stimulation,…

Motoric factors that should be considered in selecting signs to teach severely handicapped learners are reviewed and discussed. They are grouped into three categories: prehension movement patterns, unilateral/bilateral movement patterns, and combinations of successive actions, with a fourth set included of less objectively definable factors…

Arguments are reviewed for and against the use of food and drink as reinforcers in school based programs for severely handicapped students. A set of guidelines is proposed. The focus is on compatibility with children's long-range educational, health, and social goals. (Author/SW)

Camp Riverwood (Massachusetts), sponsored by the National Football League Players Association, provides moderately and severely disabled persons with opportunities for adventure activities and new games stressing personal initiative and group cooperation. Participants discuss the activities and their feelings. Benefits have included affective…

The influence of task difficulty on aberrant behavior was investigated with three severely handicapped students (10, 13, and 15 years old). Noticeably higher rates of problem behavior occurred in demand compared to no demand conditions. In addition, there were higher rates of problem behaviors on difficult versus easy tasks. (Author)

Based on the assumption that the vocational curriculum for severely handicapped persons relies on the demands and opportunities of employment settings in the community, a vocational habilitation approach involving analysis of labor needs, job requirements, and client assessment and training is described. (CL)

Questionnaires completed by 133 paraprofessionals working in classes for severely handicapped students revealed that the aides, mostly young and inexperienced, listed behavior management, individual training, feeding, and toileting their primary duties. However, many teachers' responsibilities, such as instructional planning, report writing, and…

Specific nonadaptive behavior characteristics of 59 severely handicapped adults from state and private institutions, group homes, and parents' homes were investigated. No significant differences were found between the total population sampled and a sample matched on the demographic variables of CA, language age, sex, and diagnosis. (Author)

Court rulings forming the basis for the principle of least restrictive environment for exceptional students are reviewed. The principle is seen to require a continuum of educational alternatives. Implications of state and federal legislation (P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) are discussed for severely handicapped…

Inflatable swim rings are inexpensive, familiar, compact, and facilitate appropriate positioning for the educational programing of severely motorically involved infants and preschoolers. Case studies of two infants illustrate use of the inflatables. (DB)