This study examined the effectiveness of a social skills training program for five male adolescents with autism but normal IQ. In addition to teaching interactional and conversational skills, the program provided explicit instruction in social-cognitive principles of inferring the mental states of others. Significant changes in beliefs were found,…

A system of graduated guidance was used to teach three children (ages six through nine) with severe multiple disabilities to don and remove their jackets and coats independently. The training approach involved initial use of oversized garments, fading of guidance, and individualized reinforcement. Skill maintenance and generalization were also…

A five-second constant time delay procedure with recipe cards was used to teach drink preparation to five intermediate-aged elementary students with moderate mental handicaps. The procedure was effective in teaching all students how to complete the task; 12-month followup showed at least 81 percent accuracy. (Author/JDD)

The directors of seven child care centers share their ideas on ways to orient, train, and nurture new staff from their first day on the job through the end of their first year, discussing goals for the first day, first week, first month, and first year. (MDM)

Describes a computer-based simulation model that can be used for the training of higher education administrators. Simulation games as instructional and training models are discussed; weighted alternatives used in the model are explained; validation is discussed; and the architecture of the computer simulation is described. (10 references) (LRW)

This study, with 10 adult patients with cystic fibrosis, found that the improvement in lung function and ergometry parameters obtained by a short in-patient training program could be maintained on an out-patient basis through a voluntary self-treatment program. (DB)

Describes activities of the Advancement of Librarianship Program (ALP) sponsored by IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions). Topics discussed include study grants awarded to librarians from the third world to study in Europe; model training programs; promotion of library services to rural areas; and literacy…

Three children (ages 10-13) with moderate mental retardation were taught, in a triad, to perform chained snack preparation tasks, with each student being directly taught one task and the other two observing. Results indicated that each student learned the skill taught directly and nearly all of the steps of the chains observed. (Author/JDD)

Eleven mothers with developmental disabilities who provided neglectful child care received parent training. The training (consisting of verbal instructions, pictorial manuals, modeling, feedback, and reinforcement) resulted in rapid acquisition and maintenance of child-care skills in all mothers. (Author/JDD)

A two-stage problem-solving strategy involving cue cards and their gradual withdrawal was used to teach nine sheltered workshop employees how to prevent work-related accidents. Results indicated that participants used the strategy appropriately and generalized their skills to similar and dissimilar situations up to eight weeks after training.…

Discussion of issues related to computer-assisted learning (CAL) and computer-based training (CBT) describes approaches to electronic learning; principles underlying courseware development to support these approaches; and a plan for creation of a CAL/CBT development center, including its functional role, campus services, staffing, and equipment…

The effects of independent living training programs for 1,498 people with developmental disabilities were examined. After seven years, individuals who had received greater amounts of independent living services and improved/maintained their independent living skills were more likely to still live independently. There was no relationship between…

A training package consisting of instruction in role-play social behaviors, reinforcement of appropriate behaviors, and a correction procedure was used with 20 children (ages 7-13) with deafness and severe language disabilities. The training package was effective in increasing greeting, turn waiting, initiating interaction, and giving help; and…

This article argues that orientation and mobility (O&M) training should be part of functional and meaningful activities for children and youth with severe multiple disabilities including a visual impairment. Evidence is provided that out-of-context instruction has not been effective, and the role of the O&M instructor is discussed. (DB)

Systematic training of a paraprofessional in effective instructional procedures with a student with severe mental retardation and aberrant behaviors resulted in improved skills and fewer negative statements by the paraprofessional and decreased aberrant behaviors and increased compliance by the student. Follow-up at 55 weeks indicated maintenance…