This article describes the early literacy journey of a multiply handicapped child placed in an inclusive classroom. Matthew was born prematurely and has Cerebral Palsy impacting his arms, legs, facial muscles, and speech. He is visually impaired, has seizures, and uses a wheelchair. Matthew came to school supported by one-to-one aides, special…

The field of special education has begun to concentrate its efforts on developing objectives and procedural strategies that promote a positive quality of life for students with profound multiple disabilities, while determining which educational strategies are the most appropriate. A multi-element design was used to compare the effects of two…

Seven classrooms of students with deaf-blindness or visual and multiple impairments were observed to document the emergent literacy supports that were present, including environmental characteristics, strategies, or activities. The findings revealed that the majority of classrooms used emergent literacy supports that were previously documented for…

Background: Increased post-void residual urine volume (PVR) is often seen in geriatric populations. People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have risk factors in common with these populations. Aims: To investigate in adults with ID: (1) Feasibility of portable ultrasound bladder scanning; (2) Prevalence of PVR; and (3) Relations with proposed…

Background: The idea that raising a child with disabilities has a negative impact on the parents' relationship is still widely accepted despite contradictory research findings. This article addresses the impact of raising a child with disabilities on family structure in the present Norwegian context. Method: Family demographics were collected at…

Background: Stimulation and microswitch-based programmes are considered main strategies to promote indices of happiness in students with multiple disabilities. However, only limited attempts have been made to assess the relative effects of the two programmes. This study conducted such an assessment with seven students with multiple disabilities.…

A program was recently developed to promote adaptive responses and upright head position in students with multiple disabilities through the use of microswitch clusters (i.e., combinations of two microswitches). The five students exposed to the program showed a significant increase in adaptive responses performed with head upright. The first…

The mother of a child with cerebral palsy describes her reactions to others' well meaning but, to her, offensive comments. (CL)

Data were obtained by interviewing 63 teachers on their planning activities and by observing their classroom instruction. The results demonstrate that teachers engage in virtually the same instructional arts regardless of diagnostic label or teacher training model (i.e., categorical versus noncategorical). (Author/CL)

Administrators of agencies serving the blind have the responsibility for their staffs serve multiply handicapped clients. Administrators set the tone of the agency. On a practical level, they can use personnel practices, staff development resources, and case management techniques to ensure implementation of sound, individualized service to…

This paper introduces educators to CHARGE syndrome (CS), a multiple anomaly developmental syndrome that is usually accompanied by some degree of hearing and visual impairment. We describe the defining medical characteristics of the syndrome, and following this, outline the behavioral features commonly seen in individuals with CS. Throughout, we…

Enabling persons with intellectual or multiple disabilities to carry out personal care tasks (such as washing and dressing) independent of guidance from parents or staff members and without prolonged interruptions is often difficult, particularly with persons whose disabilities also include visual impairments. Attempts were recently made to curb…

This article illustrates some ways in which observations of typically-developing infants can inform music therapy and other work with children with disabilities. The research project that is described examines typical infant development with special attention to musical relatedness and communication. Videotapes of sessions centering on musical…

The directory lists services for deaf-blind children in the Southwestern Region, including such services as associations and foundations, child care services, diagnosis and evaluation, educational programs, financial assistance, information and referral, newsletters and periodicals, recreational services, rehabilitation services, and speech and…

Recent epidemiological studies of mental retardation were critically reviewed, and data on prevalence, associated disorders, and etiology examined. Results indicated that there was a prevalence for both severe and mild retardation of 3 to 4 per 1000, that a wide range of disorders were associated with mental retardation, and that etiology is often…