Data were gathered on 19 variables representing instructional contexts and engaged behavior of 29 students with severe disabilities educated in general education elementary classrooms. Results indicate that students were provided a comprehensive array of instructional activities with a greater proportion of instruction provided through academic…

A study investigated the use of self-modeling to facilitate generalization and maintenance of the reduction of self-stimulation in a six-year-old boy with intellectual disability. The study used a videotape self-as-a-model method to successfully decrease hand flapping. (CR)

A sample of 150 children referred to child-study teams were administered intelligence tests. One-third of White students and slightly over half of Black and Hispanic students scored in the borderline IQ range (71-85). Of those borderline students who subsequently received special education, the majority were served as learning disabled. (Author/CR)

Discusses and exemplifies the process of personalizing a curriculum for students with developmental disabilities that is characterized by a rational, responsible, and responsive approach to planning and delivering support in integrated educational settings. Presents two compatible models of delivery: Cooperative Teaching and Community-based…

Interviews of 18 parents with children (ages 3 to 6) with disabilities in inclusive settings indicate that parental world views had a strong influence on decisions about children's placement, parents had a broad view of inclusion, and expectations of the parent/professional relationship were more pronounced because of factors related to inclusion.…

A study of 50 parents of adults with disabilities investigated aspects of positive and negative adaptation to parenting stress. Responses suggested an overall pattern of "bonadaptation". Parents reported use of various cognitive coping strategies and personal growth, including increased compassion, sympathy for others, flexibility, tolerance, and…

A study examined the effects of a video-based intervention combining self-assessment, self-modeling, discrimination training, and behavioral rehearsal on two sets of parents' interactions with their children with autism during self-care tasks and social play with their siblings. The intervention increased parents' social prompts and altered…

A study investigated the role of three social-awareness components (sensitivity, insight, and communication) in the employment success of 125 adolescents with mild mental retardation. Results found that all three social-awareness measures were higher for adolescents who rated higher in work performance, particularly awareness of social…

A study of 2560 individuals with developmental disabilities found that individuals residing in community settings experience greater social integration into the community than those in institutional settings; however, social integration was found to be more strongly related to consumer satisfaction in institutional settings than in community…

Reviews best practices for curricular design and instruction for students with moderate retardation and severe disabilities. Describes the benefits of alternate assessment practices such as portfolios and authentic assessment, and presents strategies for alternative assessment processes that can link best practice assumptions and can redirect…

Three adults with developmental disabilities in supported-employment settings were successfully taught self-management strategies for addressing hygiene issues. The intervention included: a checklist with steps necessary to address particular hygiene issues, modeling the steps to each participant, providing praise and feedback, and teaching the…

Addresses six environmental variables that can influence the behaviors of young children with disabilities: theoretical orientation of the program, amount of space available, classroom arrangement, length of the play period, effects of social vs. isolate toys, and the effects of different quantities of toys. (Author/CR)

A cumulative review and analysis of 27 empirical investigations that assessed the preferences and choices of individuals with severe or profound mental retardation found that, since 1978, a technology has been evolving that can assess preference and choice via six types of participant responses across a variety of stimulus presentations. Research…

Findings of a study in which four elementary general-education teachers commented on the inclusion of students with significant disabilities within general-education classrooms indicated that children with disabilities were described and observed as full classroom members. Difficulties were related to designing and implementing appropriate and…

A study involving 64 Australian parents of children with mental retardation (ages 4-31) found no significant differences between mothers and fathers in terms of their general positivity-negativity, but that fathers were less represented by overall responses than mothers. Significant differences were also found between subgroups of mothers.…