This article focuses on integration of children with and without disabilities during the early childhood years, with specific attention devoted to the notion of how predictors of high-quality programs become integrated into service delivery systems. Indicators of program quality from general education, early childhood education, and early…

Study of a sample of 93 individuals with disabilities participating in supported employment programs in Connecticut found that monthly wages and levels of integration increased significantly when compared to working situations prior to supported employment placement. (JDD)

Analysis of responses (n=3,535) to a survey concerning Nigeria's 53 vocational centers found that the proportion of persons attending such centers is small compared to potential beneficiaries, that small centers provide more effective rehabilitation services than large, and that special equipment and facilities are inadequate. (JDD)

This article describes the Language Interaction Intervention Program (LIIP) used in preschool classes for handicapped children in central New Jersey. Covered are the LIIP curriculum rationale, the LIIP model, the original evaluation study, and a replication study showing the program was effectively replicated with mothers appropriately changing…

A student (age 15) classified as behaviorally disordered tutored a student with learning disabilities. The peer tutoring brought about improvements in the tutee's on-task and academic performance but not in the tutor's disruptive behavior. Self-monitoring and a self-instructional component were then implemented to eliminate the tutor's disruptive…

This paper discusses early intervention issues that all members of the early intervention team should become familiar with, including epidemiology; who should provide intervention services; and the importance of early identification and caregiver involvement for the efficacy of intervention services. (JDD)

Mothers (N=503) of young handicapped children identified types of family intervention services currently received and needed. Results indicated that the most commonly available services involved providing information to parents about their children and helping parents participate in the early intervention system. Resource assistance and…

Describes and evaluates the Vermont Interdependent Services Team Approach (VISTA). Service-team functioning before and after the application of VISTA is studied. The validity, impact, and limitations of VISTA are evaluated, and potential improvements from a consumer perspective are discussed. Provides examples of VISTA in practice. (Author/EMK)

The impact of a training program to help staff prevent and effectively manage aggressive behavior was assessed with 109 staff members who worked in services for persons with developmental disabilities. Instruction in distraction, defusion, and nonaggressive physical intervention strategies was provided. The training significantly improved…

A study investigated the effectiveness of a 10-hour, 4-session, integrated career decision-making intervention on 49 college students, 18 with disabilities. Results indicated significant impact on both groups on several scales of career decision-making and self-efficacy, confirming the efficacy of the program. (Author/MSE)

This article presents a focused and detailed method for providing meaningful supervision to program administrators of early intervention programs. The Monthly Report and Quality Program Indicators provide anecdotal and statistical information about employee concerns, facility management, curriculum implementation, inservice development, community…

Focus groups of early intervention therapists, nontherapist professionals, administrators, and family members were interviewed to determine challenges to providing specialized therapies to young children with disabilities. Results indicated a perception that policy/administrative constraints and a shortage of pediatric therapists caused services…

This study compared three team models (multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary) for the provision of special education services. Respondents (n=195) from 50 states provided data on team descriptions, team members' perceptions of teaming effectiveness, and team practices and theory. No one model was predominant, similar…

Social skill deficits have become a defining characteristic of students with specific learning disability (SLD). Attempts have been made to enhance social functioning through structured training approaches. The effectiveness of these efforts was evaluated in a quantitative research synthesis (meta-analysis), which revealed a "small" effect with…

This study sought to assess the social validity of teacher and parent implemented assessment-based intervention for challenging behaviour in young children. The Behavior Intervention Rating Scale was completed by adults at the end of intervention for each participant. Overall ratings were high for both intervention acceptability and intervention…