Discusses a study of microcomputers use by adults who have severe learning disabilities. Describes a method for profiling adult training centers with respect to their microcomputer usage. Evaluation results indicate the crucial role of center managers in managing resources, support systems, staff involvement and the organization of the…

Reports on part of a project aimed at creating tools for training teachers in the diagnostic and adaptation process of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) systems for disabled children. Based on evaluation results the long-term objective is to add tutorial and coaching features to the system to be used in special-education training…

Discusses the development and evaluation of the Academic Counselling Expert (ACE) system designed to replace the faculty advisor and provide requisite advice to aviation students at San Jose State University (California). This computer-based counselling system was accessed by 65 students (Spring 1996 semester); most students acquired appropriate…

Discusses the problems in attempting to focus learning more upon the student in a module which introduces business computing in the University of Luton's (England) undergraduate program. Concludes that students, university management and academic staff have reasons to resist greater openness in learning, and that continued rapid change in a…

Describes the experience of a group of refugees going through the process of Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning --AP(E)L-- and how through its creative synthesis they achieve a new resolve, a renewed impetus to go forward, and a new confidence. Relates their situation to Boud and Walker on the reflection process, the barriers present,…

Describes research into the operation of peer learning communities on the MSc course in Change Agent Skills and Strategies at the University of Surrey. Argues for acknowledgment of significant qualitative differences in current usage of the term "learning community" in relation to higher education courses. Indicates educational advantages of, and…

Defines and discusses 10 program-development, research, and policy-analysis needs that are crucial for the continued success of the supported-employment program for individuals with disabilities. These include the following: consumer choice and self-determination, meaningful employment outcomes, employer needs and perceptions, natural supports,…

This study evaluated a leisure-education program with 19 adolescents and young adults with mild to moderate mental retardation. The program focused on developing leisure appreciation, self-determination and decision-making skills, social interactions and friendships, and leisure resources. Significant improvement in achievement of educational…

This study examined the relationship between selection of internal attributional statements and perceived physical competence in 86 children with mental retardation. Although internal attributions increased with age, in general, the children tended to select a large proportion of external rationales of competent outcomes that may impact negatively…

Analysis of questionnaire responses of more than 100 Austrian parents of children with mental retardation concerning special-education services reviewed attitudes about areas of instruction, placement, support services, type of involvement in school programs, importance of information, and present and future concerns. Results are compared to views…

This study evaluated nondisabled high school students' attitudinal change toward students with severe disabilities through inclusion of special-education students in two service-learning projects, one in which disabled students contributed to the project and one in which they received the service. Findings indicated that the equal-participation…

This study examined the reliability of an instrument used to evaluate services for people with developmental disabilities. Seven types of variables were analyzed: demographic data, residential arrangements, medical needs, adaptive behavior, severity of challenging behavior, frequency of challenging behavior, and the perception that disabled…

This study examined communication behaviors of 103 children and adolescents with severe cognitive disabilities using natural observations and structured one-to-one interactions. Analysis identified seven communication profiles ranging from basic reactions to complex interactions. Differences due to severity of disability but not age were observed.…

This study compared the effectiveness of two intervention approaches, task analysis and cognitive strategy, for imparting the first stages of word-processing skills to adults with mild to moderate mental retardation. Instruction in basic text-typing and paragraph transfer to 25 participants found that both methods were effective but that, for some…

This study with 22 adults with mild to moderate mental retardation examined the nature of knowledge structures in this population as well as effects of presentation methods and response methods on ability to classify items. Results indicated major effects for disability severity, insignificant findings for presentation method, and a trend toward…