In these two studies, two children with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior were assessed to see if they could use chin movements to operate microswitches to obtain environmental stimulation. In Study I, we applied an adapted version of a recently introduced electronic microswitch [Lancioni, G. E., O'Reilly, M. F., Singh, N. N.,…

This report was released by the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) on January 23, 2008. Orientation refers to one's ability to determine his/her location and relationship with other objects in the environment. Mobility refers to one's ability to move about in the environment. Orientation and mobility training may be provided to…

Many children with severe or multiple disabilities, including those with visual impairment, are limited in their ability to communicate. "Communication" is defined as how a person exchanges information about his or her desires, needs, knowledge, and perceptions with another person. Communication can be verbal, written, or nonverbal, such…

Background: This study provides an overview of empirical research on the effectiveness of quality-enhancing interventions for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). Method: Through computerised searches of the PsycINFO and ERIC databases, and using several search criteria specifically relating to the target group and…

Many children with severe disabilities never have the opportunity to try general physical education (GPE) because their Individualized Education Program (IEP) team feels that they will not be successful, will not benefit, or will not be safe. However, there are ways to safely, successfully, and meaningfully include children with severe…

Assessment of severely multiply handicapped children was completed via formal and informal assessment with data covering medical, ophthalmological, auditory, and educational aspects. Visual functioning was evaluated by considering the type of visual stimulus experienced, varying visual tasks, and student motivation and ability. Auditory evaluation…

The final report documents accomplishments of a project designed to establish a full time continuing education program for severely multiply handicapped young adults. The Over-21 project was further designed to establish a widely replicable, innovative, model educational program as an alternative to the traditional "day care" focus of…

A deaf, profoundly retarded institutionalized 20-year-old, who engaged in mattress ripping, was required to participate in forced practice behavioral training. Repeatedly physically guided through ripping mattresses, he was given the aversive consequence of a squirt of tabasco sauce solution. After 5 weeks of intensive behavioral training and a 3…

A case study is presented of a 17 year old physically handicapped mildly retarded girl who was mainstreamed in a magnet school designed to foster interest in the social sciences. Through cooperative efforts of classroom teachers, special educators, the work experience teacher, and administrator, a program was developed that resulted in significant…

The paper notes the difficulties with most formal tests of language skills when applied to the assessment of communication and precommunication skills in individuals with severe and multiple handicaps. General principles for assessment and a flexible assessment device are summarized. The Functional Communication Assessment is offered as a basic…

The paper examines the use of concrete symbol systems to make the transition from presymbolic to formal symbolic communication for deaf blind students. Comments focus on expressive use of concrete symbols and address two issues requiring further research: (1) the critical features of referent objects, concrete symbols, and concrete symbol arrays…

The booklet is intended to help train people with mild mental retardation to drive electric wheelchairs. The systematic training incorporates features of adequate time, stress upon generalization, and a relaxed and secure environment. Lessons are presented on the following skill areas: preparation, starting and stopping, driving straight ahead,…

The paper describes an interactive evaluation process based on E. Brown's transactional evaluation model, and its application to evaluating programs serving children with severe and multiple disabilities or other low incidence populations. The model emphasizes the first part of the assessment process, determining which questions to ask and what…

Intended for parents and teachers of severely/multiply handicapped children, the booklet reviews ways in which sensory experiences can be used for stimulating development. Thirteen lesson plans are provided, with information on objectives to be stressed, activities and materials. Lessons cover such topics as responding to sensory experiences or to…

Evaluation results of a program (Infant School Program at New York University Medical Center) serving 40 multihandicapped preschool children over a 3-year period are given. Originally presented with accompanying slides, the paper lists goals of early childhood education and describes methods of data collection and program procedures. Ss were…