Effective professional development is critical for improving implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in special education. The present systematic review sought to gather evidence exploring the effects and key components of in-service special education teacher training in EBPs. This review identifies six essential components of training…

Findings from a research synthesis of the relationships between family needs and parent, family, and child functioning are reported. The synthesis included 31 studies conducted in 12 different countries. The studies were conducted between 1987 and 2021 and included 4,543 participants. Eight different family needs scales or adaptations of the…

Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are able to reliably express their likes and dislikes through direct preference assessment. Preferred items tend to function as rewards and can therefore be used to facilitate the acquisition of new skills and promote task engagement. A number of preference assessment methods are…

This study outlines the literature relevant to the Cross-cultural issues and the politics of SEN and the different perspectives arising from the literature on this widely debated issue are addressed. In addition, the origin of the term "special educational needs" (SEN), its definitions and the types of special education needs are…

An expanded assessment model examining physiological conditions, durational events, and behavioral histories is suggested as one way to understand the stimulus events controlling aggression of developmentally disabled persons. Implications for more effective treatment are considered. (CL)

This paper reviews research on the positive perceptions and experiences of other members in families with children with developmental disabilities. It also proposes a model for further study based on the hypothesis that positive perceptions function as strategies that help families adapt to or cope with the experiences of raising a child with…

Discusses the use of different medications for people with developmental disabilities and presents a paradigm for integrating behavior-analytic and psychopharmacological treatment interventions. The model is consistent with the least restrictive, yet effective, treatment philosophy and addresses assessment and treatment of medical issues,…

Focusing on people with disabilities, evaluates vocational development theories, evaluates relevant research, describes scale of vocational development, and suggests model of vocational development. Review of studies suggests that people with acquired disabilities tended to choose occupations consistent with predisability plans, while people with…

The concept of quality of life (QOL) has become an important public policy and service delivery issue within the mental retardation/developmental disabilities field. QOL measurement focuses on a number of personal and environmental factors, including independence, productivity, living/residential environment, interpersonal and community…

This article discusses a family-centered approach to assistive technology assessment for young children with mental retardation or developmental disabilities and their families. After a literature review, legal definitions of assistive technology are examined, and a model is presented for supporting and involving families in technology assessment…

Part of a special issue on the national network of University Affiliated Facilities, the article defines independent living (IL) and discusses the development and application for the IL concept. An IL model is presented that focuses on improving the community environment and offering assistive devices to persons with severe disabilities.…

This paper discusses paradigm shifts in the fields of mental retardation and developmental disabilities--toward facilities-based, services-based, supports-based, and empowering services. The nature of each paradigm shift and forces for change are highlighted. Discussion focuses on recommendations for professional practice in education and services…

This literature review discusses cultural influences on individuals with disabilities and describes three historical models of disability--the moral model, medical model, and sociological/environmental/civil rights/minority group model. The use of alcohol and drugs by disabled persons is explored, focusing on individuals with orthopedic and…

Discussed are current practices and promising approaches in the development of community-based living arrangements for children and adults with psychiatric or developmental disabilities. Problems with current systems include a lack of safe, affordable housing; lack of consumer choice; inflexibility; lack of a coherent, clear ideology; failure to…

The paper compares evaluation requirements established under P.L. 94-103 (Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act) and P.L. 94-142 (Education for All Handicapped Children Act). The correspondence of the requirements to traditional evaluation models is noted, and obstacles to implementation of the evaluation procedures are…