Background: Within the context of the Special Interest Research Group (SIRG) on Persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD), researchers often discuss the methodological problems and challenges they are confronted with. The aim of the current article was to give an overview of these challenges. Methods: The challenges are…

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a widely used picture/icon aided augmentative communication system designed for learners with autism and other developmental disorders. This meta-analysis analyzes the extant empirical literature for PECS relative to targeted (functional communication) and non-targeted concomitant outcomes…

The present study focused on the objective components of quality of life (QOL) of people with profound multiple disabilities (PMD). More specific, we aimed at evaluating different dimensions of QOL of people with PMD and investigating the association between their QOL and several personal (age, gender, intellectual capabilities, motor limitations,…

Continuous observational recording over 57 hours evaluated behavior states of three adults with profound and multiple disabilities. Two independent observers also recorded for 22 hours. Although overall percentage agreement was satisfactory (above 80%), agreement on occurrence was unsatisfactory (mean of 65%). Agreement data were superimposed on…

Parents, teachers, and paraeducators at three inclusive schools were interviewed as part of a qualitative study to investigate perceptions regarding a quality educational program for students with moderate-severe disabilities. Instead of looking at schools engaged in a systematic change process from separate to inclusive education for students…

The paper presents a model to assist administrators of special education programs for multiply handicapped children in making budgetary decisions and in evaluating therapy programs. The model's use requires that the efficiency and effectiveness of the various therapeutic services be measured and that the service needs of the multiply handicapped…

This volume is one of several which describe the characteristics, quality, and costs of services to severely handicapped children and youth in 100 providers across the nation. This volume includes the development of data collection instruments and a mail survey of potential providers of services to severely handicapped children and youth. The…

This paper describes a data-based case study of a linked array of community-based treatment services for troublesome, dual-diagnosed children and adolescents. Factors in the program's successes are described, followed by long-term data supporting treatment effectiveness. Results support applied research at this level and present a simple…

This article summarizes 43 empirical studies of school-to-community transition of hearing-impaired persons with developmental disabilities; discusses data collection and interpretation issues; and recommends future research, development, and evaluation. The studies deal with such areas as career/vocational preparation, independent living skills,…