The mercury switch is a simple device which allows severely handicapped students to easily turn on or off electrical devices. Directions and diagrams are given for construction of the switch, its uses, modification of toys to utilize the switch, and correcting problems with the switch or other adaptive equipment. (DB)

The article describes the community learning program Fairfax County, Virginia, provides moderately and severely handicapped students to prepare them for eventual home and work environments. Covered are program structure, preparation, traffic and public transportation instruction, safety instruction, grocery store instruction, restaurant…

This article reports the experiences of one school district as it moved from serving students with severe disabilities in segregated programs to a full inclusion model. Year one focused on getting started, planning, and beginning integration efforts and year two on implementation of a structured peer integration program. Applicability of the full…

Six high school students with multiple disabilities, including mental retardation, were taught community living skills through the establishment of a shopping service for people who were elderly or who had disabilities. Students increased their competence in community survival skills and also experienced a new role as helper. (JDD)

Explained for educators of severly physically handicapped (SPH) children are basic component parts of the microcomputer system, adaptations for children unable to use a standard keyboard, and applications for communication, academic work, writing, creative arts, recreation, future employment, and young SPH children. Factors educators should…

A structured small group instructional setting helps to teach mainstreamed handicapped preschoolers the skills necessary to interact with the classroom materials without direct supervision. Examples are cited of individualized play activities with puzzles, paint, and play dough. (CL)

A rapid reporting system was designed to help resource teachers stay aware of the regular class performance and assignments of their students. Advantages of the note card approach include reminding the regular teacher of the student's need for extra attention, increasing recognition of the resource program, and providing feedback to students. (CL)

The development and operation of a successful volunteer program to assist in mainstreaming special education elementary students are traced. Recruitment, orientation, role responsibilities, and evaluation of the volunteers are discussed. (CL)

The article offers a classroom management technique, PASSWORD, that facilitates the smooth transition of handicapped students from the resource room to the regular class. Students are each asked a "code question," usually a review question, the answer to which is the password for leaving the resource room. (DB)

Presented is an introduction to laser videodisc technology, covering both hardware and courseware considerations and technological applications to special education. Described is the application of videodisc courseware to the teaching of fractions, and results of a successful program to teach fractions to eight mainstreamed students with learning…

RATE (Read and Then Evaluate) provides opportunities for learning disabled students to self-select appropriate reading materials, form and communicate opinions about their reading, and gain confidence in themselves as readers. Teachers' observations confirmed the effectiveness of the program, which was expanded to involve students sharing the…

The article describes a structured approach to teaching sign language to severely disabled students through task analysis. The approach emphasizes four basic principles from developmental and behavioral theories: (1) environmental influence, (2) imitation, (3) reinforcement, (4) practice. A functional sign vocabulary of 250 words grouped according…

Nine school psychology graduate students participated in simulation experiences designed to help them understand the needs and problems of teachers of disabled students. In a setting closely resembling the classroom, participants engaged in arithmetic, language, recess, handwriting, art, and report card simulations. (CL)

A center for retarded students provided students contacts with animals on a regular basis to help students overcome their fear, increase self-confidence and self-esteem, develop nurturing skills, and learn cooperation. Case studies of six children who showed special benefits from the program are included. (CL)

A training form is described which includes a majority of the questions and vocabulary words encountered by handicapped learners applying for entry level jobs. Use of the form will help students respond to common items in job applications. (CL)