Thirty-six adults with moderate to severe mental retardation received either general case programming, rule learning, or attention control instruction in a table-setting learning task. General case programming and rule learning were successful in promoting generalized table setting. Only general case programming facilitated maintenance of…

This article proposes assessment targets and protocols for children with profound developmental disabilities who are nonsymbolic communicators. Targets include children's actual or perceived communicative behaviors, their communicative partners, and their communicative environments. Protocols consist of interviews, observations, structured…

This article provides a rationale for educators to use multimedia computer technologies to create individualized computer-based instructional materials for students with autism. Software design guidelines based on empirical research are presented, along with detailed descriptions of two multimedia authoring systems for educators. Suggestions focus…

The importance of alternative access to computers for persons with developmental disabilities and the ways in which speech recognition technology has been used to reach this goal are discussed. Illustrative studies of the use of speech recognition by persons with disabilities are reviewed, and implications for the effective application of this…

This article discusses a home-centered approach to the use of assistive technology for children with disabilities, reviewing the literature on children's home environments, self-determination, family systems, and the physical and social environment. Suggestions are provided for professionals working with families to identify and provide assistive…

This article examines "low tech" assistive technology options for positioning, communication, learning, mobility, and self-care barriers for infants and children with disabilities, focusing on play activities. Combined low- and high-tech assistive systems are described. Policy issues interfering with inclusion of assistive devices in early…

This article summarizes findings from the Macomb Project's 15 years of research and provision of model demonstration computer application services to young children with disabilities, their families, and service delivery staff. Staff training, administrative support, technology assessments, family involvement, and transition services are all…

This study examined features of software used by 48 preschool special education students. Programs were compared for their effect on engagement, affect, and choice. Findings suggest that children prefer programs with higher interaction requirements, as well as those using animation, sound, and voice features. (Author/PB)