This study provided a quantitative analysis of a random sample of 167 National Disability Law Reporter-published letters of findings by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights in response to higher education student complaints under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Inasmuch as each letter of findings…

Background: Assessing and measuring subjective quality of life (QOL) for individuals with profound multiple disabilities (PMD) remain amongst the most difficult challenges for theorists and practitioners in the field. The usual approaches using proxy reporting by familiar others have been demonstrated to be of questionable reliability and validity…

This study employed a multiple probe design to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based lunchtime oral-sensory/oral-motor/positive reinforcement program on food acceptance behaviors of three youth with multiple disabilities. Overall dramatic gains in food acceptance behaviors of all participants indicated that trained school personnel were…

This article reviews current epidemiological studies estimating the prevalence and incidence of permanent hearing loss in children. In particular, it addresses trends in ages of onset of hearing loss and causes. Studies estimating the number of children with hearing loss and additional special needs in various countries are presented, as well as…

This paper describes the use of a new project, "from the inside looking out" (FILO) (N. Richardson Unpublished data), to develop communication, interaction and emotional literacy skills with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The authors utilized tools derived from Intensive Interaction Therapy [D. Hewett & M. Nind (1994)…

One major objective of programs for persons with severe or profound intellectual and multiple disabilities is to teach these persons occupational and vocational tasks and to enable them to carry out these tasks independently (Davis, Brady, Williams, & Burta, 1992; Lancioni et al., 1991; Steed & Lutzker, 1997). The performance of such tasks has…

This article offers an example of how teachers may successfully use a process for addressing problem behaviors in the classroom. The process includes (1) framing critical questions, (2) collecting relevant data, (3) taking well-researched actions, and (4) reflecting on the impact of these actions. Guided by these steps, the inappropriate comments…

This paper gives a description of the support needs of people with profound multiple disabilities (PMD), based on the five basic dimensions of the 2002 AAMR System, being intellectual abilities, adaptive behavior, participation, interaction and social roles, health and context. It is based on a study of the literature concerning the target group.…

This study examined the relationship of teachers' and parents' ratings of the employability skills of 15 students (ages 8-16) with multiple disabilities. Five teachers and 14 sets of parents used the Ohio Employability/Life Skills Assessment, Parent Form to assess student mastery of employability attitudes and skills. Significant differences were…

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…

Elements of effective planning in special education are considered, and a Hawaii project, Model T, is described. The project focuses on the process of making and evaluating resource decisions, such as decisions about the kind and frequency of related services staff time versus instructors' time. Microeconomic concepts such as diminishing returns…

A 7-week art program for 16 visually impaired multiply handicapped children (5-to-13-years-old) explored their potential for creative growth when given a free choice of materials within a planned learning environment. (LH)

The article focuses on neurodevelopmental/sensory integration treatments for the profoundly retarded, multiply handicapped child. (JS)

The Small Residential Facilities Project of Teaching Research is developing residential models targeted for six populations who have been considered difficult to serve in the community. A progress report is presented on the four established programs. The Adolescent Severely Emotionally Disturbed Program consists of an apartment program, an…