The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), signed into law on December 10, 2015, requires that state education agencies (SEAs) establish standardized, statewide entrance and exit procedures for their English learners (ELs), including ELs with disabilities. For certain ELs with…

The paper sets forth the position of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities regarding definitions of learning disabilities (LD) as found in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The paper cites difficulties with the current definition, suggesting that misinterpretation has given the impression that individuals…

Describes current child-count systems that count students with visual impairments and additional disabilities in only one disability area. This results in an undercount of the incidence of visual impairment. Discusses the need for children to be initially counted by the disability of the lowest incidence. (CR)

Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act are recommended to remedy the negligent hiring practices of some vocational rehabilitation agencies that further disable deaf clients by hiring personnel who lack the skills to work effectively with deaf and multiply handicapped people. (Author/DB)

This paper reports on several studies of gender mix among staff in ten schools for students with severe, profound and/or multiple disabilities. Headteachers' perceptions of the impact of women's dominance in these positions are explored, and a series of proposals for future recruitment and staff development is put forth. (Contains seven…

Ratings of 224 students with serious emotional disturbances by 40 teachers indicated that conduct disorders were very prevalent, were correlated with other problematic aspects of temperament and classroom competence, and co-occurred with other types of behavioral problems. Implications of the study for making eligibility decisions for special…

Analysis of the 1977 and 1985 National Nursing Home Surveys with respect to residents with mental retardation found little change in the size of the population; resident characteristics (such as other disabling conditions and functional limitations and primary source of payment); and level of services received. Challenges in implementing Public…

A New Zealand study investigated the prevalence, health status, and service needs of people with mental retardation born before 1940. Of 1,063 people identified, 42% resided in institutions, 7% with family, 13% in nursing homes, and 38% in community-based residential facilities. Additionally, 75% received regular medication, and 75% had at least…

This compilation brings together various conference papers and a working group report on the topic of supported competitive employment for people with deaf-blindness and other profound disabilities. The title paper by Paul Wehman and Janet Hill studies 21 Profoundly/Multiply Handicapped Deaf-Blind Youth, April 7-10, 1986, Washington, DC. The title…

This paper examines research and literature related to the education of Virginia students who are deaf or hearing impaired, blind or visually impaired, or multihandicapped. The paper discusses legal considerations such as least restrictive environment and other variables required to be considered when determining appropriate service delivery…

This conference report focuses upon transition issues for those individuals with profound multiple-sensory impairments. It contains presentations, reactions, and syntheses of discussions by working groups. The keynote address, by H. D. Bud Fredericks, is titled "Those with Profound Handicaps: Who Are They? How Can They Be Served?."…

The final report of the Transition from School to Work Project of Employment Opportunities, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina, describes efforts to provide students with job experiences and leisure education. The project provided work experiences for 49 students, ages 17-22, with disabilities including autism, mental retardation (IQ range from less…

This compilation brings together various conference papers and a working group report on health and psychosocial aspects of transition for people with deaf-blindness and other profound disabilities. The title paper by Sharon Hostler focuses on health service needs of the individual, including health planning, a transition health assessment, and an…

This report of a conference session dealing with recreation and leisure activities for people with deaf-blindness and other profound multiple disabilities contains three papers and a working group report. The title paper by Lori Goetz reviews "model indicators" for recreation and leisure educational programming with individuals who have severe and…

This compilation brings together various conference papers and a working group report on the topic of residential services for people with deaf-blindness and other profound disabilities. The title paper by Lyle T. Romer describes three measures for evaluating residential programs: capacity, progress, and lifestyle. Valued outcomes of a residential…