Six common barriers to the establishment of a community based educational model for moderately and severely handicapped students are identified, and solutions are recommended. The barriers are (1) limited staff, (2) transportation, (3) scheduling, (4) cost, (5) negative reaction to curriculum emphasis change, and (6) applicability to multiply…

The use of a manual vibrator to supplement the traditional speech therapy program for four moderately mentally retarded six- and seven-year-old children attending a special education class is discussed. (Author/SEW)

A teacher of children with multiple handicaps and the mother of a child in the class describe changes made as they worked together to create a more open and child-centered classroom. (RH)

Practical considerations and suggestions (in areas such as first aid, staff protection, and sanitation) for providing services to multiply handicapped children in public schools are provided. (PHR)

Originally part of a symposium on educational media for the deaf, the article describes the use of computer-assisted instruction to teach young deaf and multiply handicapped children. The microcomputer/videodisc interface is explained and the method of captioning the videodisc is discussed. Diagrams illustrate the process. (PHR)

In a single-subject design with replication across Ss, teacher prompts were used in an attempt to increase the rate of social behavior of three severely and profoundly retarded adolescents who were legally blind. Training took place in the classroom on successive school days with the teacher prompting each S to engage in positive social…

The paper reports the results of preliminary tests of the speechreading ability of a deaf blind adult who uses the Tadoma Method (speechreading based solely on vibrotactile information) for language acquisition and information. (Author/PHR)

This paper describes the program of a special school in British Columbia for youth with behavior disorders and either learning disabilities or intellectual impairments. Program components (behavior therapy, activity-based learning, and attachment development) and program sequence (assessment, formulation and implementation of a Growth and…

Describes a private, early (birth to four) therapeutic intervention center in Italy that provides short-term intensive treatment to children with severe visual impairments and possible additional disabilities. The residential program emphasizes maximum use of residual vision, vision stimulation and training, psychological counseling for parents,…

This case study illustrates the development of career self-efficacy in a male high school junior identified as both gifted and learning disabled. It suggests that early recognition of potential, opportunities and resources for talent development, and emotional supports from caring adults are critical, positive influences on career self-efficacy.…

This article describes a framework for assessing young children with severe multiple disabilities. The assessment is child-led and examines underlying processes of learning, including biobehavioral state, orienting response, learning channels, approach-withdrawal, memory, interactions, communication, and problem solving. Case studies and a sample…

This article reviews eight resources for working with infants, toddlers, and young children who are blind or visually impaired. Resources include a guide on early intervention with young children with multiple disabilities, a manual on developmental guidelines for infants with visual impairments, a video on early concept development, and Web…

Three experiments, involving five students (aged 13-20) with profound, multiple handicaps, showed that the students could effectively use microswitches to demonstrate toy preferences, to indicate preferences for social attention, and to make specific requests of educational staff in school and community settings. (Author/JDD)

Results are presented of a national survey of teachers (n=134) of visually handicapped students on service delivery to severely multiply handicapped students. Significant correlations were found between teachers' perception of adequacy of preparation and their level of degree and additional certification. Results indicate a need for better…

The relationship between stereotypy and the instructional environment of 3 children, ages 9-13, with severe mental retardation and dual sensory impairments was examined. Reductions in stereotypy were associated with staff-resident interaction and the presence of certified teaching staff; the children responded differently to various types of…