A study examined the opinions and practices of 28 speech-language pathologists specific to best practice communication-based service delivery for persons with severe disabilities. Pathologists reported to value highly and, to a lesser degree, to practice indicators of quality communication-based service delivery. Significant differences between…

The Self-Determined Learning Model is designed to teach adolescent students to set goals, take action on those goals, and adjust their goals and plans as needed. The program resulted in dramatic changes in 17 of 19 students (ages 14-19), at levels that exceeded teachers' expectations. Additional social validation data from both students and…

This longitudinal study examined satisfaction with supported employment jobs and services with 32 disabled individuals receiving services between 1992 and 1997. Analysis of interview data indicates participants were consistently satisfied with both their chosen supported employment jobs (including the work, friendships made, and money earned) and…

This study used the Child Concept of Age test with 47 individuals with mental retardation, divided into four age groups. Only subjects in the oldest age group (over 60) had an appropriate concept of age. Results suggest that age-related concepts are difficult for this population and conceptualization of old age is influenced by stereotypes.…

This article examines systemic barriers (i.e., racism and prejudice, equity of resources, and professionals' views of themselves being different) faced by minority families in the assistive technology decision-making process. Implications for professionals working with students with mental and developmental disabilities from minority families are…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief, 2-minute pre-session stimulus preference assessment in predicting the levels of responding of four students (ages 6-9) with profound multiple disabilities. Use of the identified preferred stimulus resulted in higher levels of student responding during the instructional condition across all four…

This study examined the comparative validity of rating scale, structured interview, descriptive observation, and experimental functional analysis approaches to the assessment of the problem behaviors of three young children with autism. The results indicated good agreement across indirect and direct methods. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Two young adults with severe intellectual disabilities received either frequent or infrequent verbal prompts through a small earphone and pocket radio- and computer-controlled device as they completed daily living tasks. Data indicated that the frequent prompts condition fostered a higher level of on-task behavior and correct task responding.…

This study assessed the criterion validity of the photographic adaptive communication device (ACD) used in Oklahoma to interview individuals with developmental disabilities receiving services. The back-translation process identified photographs that were frequently incorrectly identified resulting in revision of the ACD for greater validity.…

Nine adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and nine age- and IQ-matched adults with PWS completed standardized tests of long-term and short-term memory, visual and auditory processing, and reading and mathematics achievement. Contrary to previous findings, long-term memory in PWS subjects was strong relative to IQ and there was no evidence that…

The effectiveness of transition planning for individuals with mental retardation was investigated by comparing outcomes of 322 adults who graduated from high school in 1985 with 82 who graduated in 1993. The class of 1993 demonstrated better outcomes in several areas of adult adjustment. Recommendations for improvements are discussed. (Contains…

A study investigated parent and sibling perspectives on the inclusion of 21 children with moderate or severe disabilities. Both parents and siblings believed the children were capable, wanted to have the children around typical peers as much as possible, and had general satisfaction with the amount and type of inclusion. (Contains extensive…

Variables influencing the attitudes of 678 teachers and 847 parents of students without disabilities toward the inclusion of students with mental retardation were investigated. Special education teachers were the most favorable, teachers with inclusion experience had a more positive attitude, and parents with average-to-high socioeconomic status…

A study compared physical activity levels of 17 typical elementary school children and 17 with mental retardation in inclusive recess settings. Boys with mental retardation demonstrated higher activity counts and heart rates than boys without mental retardation while no group differences were apparent on an observational checklist. (Contains…

A study examined the relation between communication development and aberrant behavior in 13 preschool children with developmental disabilities. There was a strong inverse relation between communication ability and severity of aberrant behavior. Deficits in receptive language were more strongly associated with severe aberrant behavior, particularly…