The article focuses on the family of children with severe and multiple handicaps, noting characteristics of the family constellation, familial attitudes and behaviors, effects on family structure (family integration, harmony, financial and physical demands, day-to-day problems), and family needs (for support, expression of feelings, dependence and…

The article summarizes the following factors identified in service provision for severely and multiply handicapped students: programmatic considerations; administrative considerations; service delivery models; assessment; educational placement; individual educational programs; and program documentation. (CL)

The article explores the issues of role identity and role negotiation in establishing a viable psychiatric consultation contract with a school program for multihandicapped deaf children and offers guidelines for dealing with the consequences of role confusion and conflict in this consultation relationship. (Author/DLS)

Techniques for evaluating the multiply impaired child's functional level of vision are described and a sequence of visual stimulation instruction for children with visual impairments is presented. (PHR)

This paper provides a brief summary of a workshop held at the Wolfson Centre, London, England, on assessment of children with multiple disabilities. In addition, the paper offers guidelines for good assessment practice, emphasizing the need for assessment to be an ongoing, multidisciplinary process. (JDD)

Planning and implementing successful community-based social integration experiences for infants and toddlers with multiple disabilities require consideration of such issues as the developmental needs unique to this age-group, family needs and concerns, health and safety considerations, and training needs of staff. (JDD)

Visual accents can create unique communication graphics to increase attending behavior necessary for learning symbol/referent relationships by students with severe vision loss. Accenting procedures use size, color, contrast, shape, and graphic pattern to enhance the probability that the learner will self-initiate attending to the visual symbol.…

This paper offers a model for planning services for children who are both mentally retarded and autistic. The model and recommendations for the residential therapeutic environment are organized according to the main axes of child development (biological, physical, cognitive, and socioemotional). (Author/DB)

Children with laryngeal pathologies or alterations in laryngeal structure and/or function often present with complex medical profiles. This article presents case studies for the speech-language pathologist that provide information regarding management decisions and specific treatment options. (Author/DB)

Written by parents and intended for fellow parents of severely/multiply handicapped children, the booklet describes a series of awareness activities to enhance children's sensory experiences. Each section includes a brief rationale, background information, and a list of suggested activities for developing the senses of touch, taste, smell,…

The document describes a project to initiate effective services for hearing impaired developmentally disabled (HIDD) individuals, thereby contributing to their deinstitutionalization. An introductory chapter presents the background for establishment of the regional demonstration center at the University of Arizona. Chapter 2 addresses general and…

One of a series of materials developed by Project APT (Administrators, Parents, and Teachers/Assessment, Programing, and Training), a program designed to foster home/school coordination in educational planning and program implementation for severely mentally retarded and/or multiply handicapped students; the booklet focuses on techniques for…

The article offers four assumptions as a philosophical basis for improved parent professional relations in the education of severely/multiply handicapped preschool students. Assumptions focus on family uniqueness, role in multidisciplinary teams, child management, and provision of support. Implications for practice and relevant research are cited.…

The author provides suggestions for audiologic assessment and aural rehabilitation of mentally retarded hearing impaired children. A practical screening procedure is described, and specific aspects of auditory training are considered. (SBH)

This article identifies segments of the deaf-blind population needing additional support to secure and maintain employment, such as the deaf-blind mentally retarded. Supported employment models are described in this context, with special emphasis on the individual placement model and its approaches to job development, worker assessment, training…