We are entering a new phase in learning about childhood disabilities. While we have found out much of what we need to know about their causes and aetiology, solutions to many of the challenges we will face in the future will come from the evidence base held by practitioners. Practitioners are ideally placed to carry out "real world" research but…

In this article, Hazel Lawson, principal lecturer in education at the University of Plymouth, Sue Waite, a researcher at the University of Plymouth, and Christopher Robertson, lecturer in special and inclusive education at the University of Birmingham, discuss the curriculum for students with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties…

Many practitioners are now grappling with the practical realities involved in collaborations between mainstream and special schools. Colin Gladstone is a teacher at Greenside, a special school in Hertfordshire. In this article he describes his experience of running a Young Enterprise Scheme project linking teenage students with severe learning…

This article explores key differences between special education legislation in England and Scotland and their implications for delivering consistent anti-discrimination policies. It is argued that close monitoring of the implementation of Part 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act in English and Scottish schools is necessary. (Contains…

This article summarizes findings of research into decision-making processes leading to residential special school placements in England. Results suggest the needs of individual children are not central to these decision-making processes and that local authorities who make such placements do not pay sufficient attention to protecting and promoting…

This paper reports on efforts in Hull, England, to better train teachers to manage bereaved children. Evaluation following training shows an increased level of trained staff in schools, more use of policies and procedures, and a higher level of individuals in schools having responsibility for responses to bereavement. (Contains eight references.)…

This article reports on investigations into whether students starting secondary school should, among other adjustments, adapt their concepts of literacy. Interviews with 24 11- and 12-year olds are used to explore their perceptions and expectations concerning their literacy and its ongoing development at this pivotal stage. (Contains four…

This article explores alternative routes in further education and attainment of qualifications for people with disabilities, focusing on the potential uses of information technology and more flexible approaches to learning. Findings from interviews with students are used to develop student-centered maps to goal attainment for such students.…

This award-winning article describes a research project which evaluated use of "social stories" with primary-grade children who have autism. Social stories are written to describe social situations the child finds difficult and include descriptive sentences which describe the situation, perspective sentences which explain the reactions of others,…

Describes the use of imaginative reconstruction and empathy to teach historical perspective to British students (ages 13 and 14) with severe learning difficulties. Lessons focused on writing (or dictating) a story describing the feelings of a sailor about to be involved in the battle with the Spanish Armada. Examples are provided. (DB)

Discusses the potential uses of literature with people with severe and profound learning disabilities and describes a series of multisensory interactive drama games re-telling the story of "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. (Author/DB)

Uses classroom vignettes to examine reasons why schools in the United Kingdom are not yet generally successful in including students with disabilities and suggests simple ways that ordinary teachers can implement inclusive practices. These include the importance of teamwork, a school climate which encourages inclusive practices, and teacher…

Describes the implementation in one British school district of a model auditing system that takes curriculum as its starting point. Although the model drives the local educational authority funding formula, its educational importance is at the school level. Its implementation in a special secondary school for students with severe, profound, and…

Describes ways in which the Internet, especially the World Wide Web, has been used by students at a residential British school for students with cerebral palsy and severe, or profound and multiple, learning difficulties. The effort's rationale, teaching techniques, and evaluation methods are discussed. A glossary of Internet terms is attached. (DB)

Proposes that the repetitive and stereotyped behavior displayed by many children with severe disabilities may be used as part of the child's educational program. Discussion is on recent research into stereotyped behavior, functionally equivalent behaviors, the relevance of early normal development, the social context of learning, and ways to use…