A method of developing programs which are both functional and developmentally appropriate for severely/profoundly handicapped adolescents is described. The method integrates adult referenced activities with training of the activities' developmental precursors. (Author/DB)

A three-step process for developing a program to help youth learn independent living skills is described. The steps are: (1) identifying and ranking specific skills; (2) developing curriculum packages; and (3) involving adults from the local community to help teach those skills to youth. A list of 20 independent living skills is offered along with…

The paper describes the community residence and independent living services offered by Perkins School for the Blind which serves multi-impaired, blind, visually impaired, and deaf blind individuals. The first part reviews existing community living options and emphasizes the need for thorough diagnosis, extensive training in daily living skills and…

The development and implementation of the Dallas Independent School District's Basic Objectives Assessment Test (BOAT) are described. Beginning in 1979, this minimum competency test was administered system-wide to all students in grades 8-12 (except for those enrolled as special education students), and beginning in 1983 it will be used in…

Services of two school districts to exceptional students in transition are reviewed. The Great Falls (Montana) model involves a five-year individualized education program, maximum integration, and three phases of paid employment. The Natrona County (Wyoming) program is based on such crucial services as vocational evaluation, community living…

An overview of theory, assessment design, and programming in career development projects for special education students is presented, and 39 assessment instruments are reviewed. Components of career-vocational program development are identified, and steps in the developmental flow for assessment, evaluation, and curriculum design are listed. A…

A deliberate, systematic approach is presented for assisting students with handicaps through the transition process from school to adult life. The key elements of transition are identified as: longitudinal vocational and independent living skills training; cooperative and interagency transition planning; parent, student, employer, and…

Job Training Partnership Act funds were provided for the Options for Young Mothers project in a mid-sized Texas community. The program was developed and 14 clients were selected. The main components of the program were life skills, General Educational Development (GED) training, counseling, and basic skills training and job placement (Jobs). The…

The Secretary of Special Education of Puerto Rico has been searching for ways to offer appropriate special education services for young people between 13 and 21 years of age whose educational level does not allow them to benefit from current prevocational or vocational services. At present groups are being organized to offer services for…

Discussed are criteria for developing and implementing secondary school special education programs leading to a high school diploma for exceptional students in Michigan. It is explained that handicapped students should be integrated into regular programs whenever possible but that an Educational Planning and Placement Committee may recommend…

Schools and colleges fail to meet many of the needs of young people in the transition from school to adult working life. For many, schooling offers the 3Ds--disqualification, demotivation, and dependence. At all levels, there is a lack of challenge. Present proposals in vocational preparation largely fail to deal with these fundamental problems of…

Guidelines are presented for establishing, expanding, and evaluating vocational home economics instructional programs in Ohio. The administrator and teacher-directed manual incorporates the most recent policies and procedures for programs at the secondary, postsecondary, and adult level. An outline presents an overview of the types of programs,…

A transdisciplinary therapy model that integrates visual services into the student's total educational program is illustrated by a case report of a 19-year-old male with multiple handicaps. Traditional domain areas (cognition, communication, motor, and self-help) are linked to environmental domains (domestic living, community training,…

This guide provides an approach to assist public schools and adult service agencies in designing programs that will maximize the ability of severely disabled students to function in non-sheltered vocational environments. The guide is composed of a list of questions to be used in a self-evaluation process; the questions concern needs assessment,…

This article analyzes educational policy for students with mild mental retardation in terms of four important outcomes: (1) successful employment; (2) development of independence; (3) the acquisition of life skills; and (4) successful involvement within the school and community. Inhibitors of successful outcomes are identified, and federal and…