Developments in artificial intelligence have relevance for the education of severely/profoundly retarded persons by enhancing the learning of facts, principles, skills and concepts and by providing opportunities (via more portable equipment) for applications in a wide variety of settings. (CL)

The article highlights trends in priority user needs and market information on microcomputer hardware/software for special education. Among trends noted are significant increases in microcomputer hardware inventories, and perceived needs for computer assisted instruction, administrative functions, and systematic planning for the use of technology…

The article reviews computer applications in special education (drill and practice, tutorial programs, simulations, gaming, discovery, and problem-solving programs) and suggests approaches for publishers and educators in providing improved services in the future. (CL)

Project EduTech, designed to provide technical assistance to state and local education agencies, has analyzed current uses of microcomputers in special education (noting the primary emphasis on computer literacy) and identified future needs (including the need for systematic acquisition and use of microcomputers and for information exchange.) (CL)

The authors describe their efforts to evaluate the effects of low- and high-level computer-manipulated interactive video instruction with mentally retarded students. Potential applications for overlearning and for increased reliance on internally supplied cues are considered. (CL)

A microcomputer-based system for providing contingency intervention for handicapped infants provided an environment in which children's actions produced clear consequences and the relationships between actions and consequences were summarized and displayed graphically. (CL)

The Alternative Communication System Project pilot tested a microcomputer-based communication device with five physically disabled students (8-15 years old). Ss exhibited a high level of accuracy in using the system, which translates Morse Code into English letters, numbers, and punctuation. Videotapes available as project demonstration materials…

A learning/cognitive model for computer-based instruction in reading is designed to ensure the development of comprehension based on functional analysis of single-word reading. Six reading tasks (including picture naming and oral reading) are included with video and graphic overlays. (CL)

A computerized audiovisual communications system requires only a touch response by young difficult-to-test hearing impaired children. The system focuses on single word reading comprehension and sensory perception and interference. (CL)

The article reviews technology applicable for use by severely mentally retarded learners. Descriptions are given of assistive devices (including communication aids), controls and interfaces (such as single switch access to standard software), and software (including games to teach cause and effect and simple matching and counting). (CL)

A microcomputer-based Universal Laboratory Training and Research Aid (ULTRA) provides meaningful laboratory access to blind students and students with upper limb disabilities. Using ULTRA, blind students can perform chemical experiments independently. (CL)

Three student-use instructional materials products for severely handicapped students are described. Two are instructional microcomputer software packages (one on spatial orientation and sequencing and one on word recognition) and one is an interactive instructional videotape (on elementary greeting situations and appropriate behavior). (CL)

Production activities of the 1983 Educational Media Production Project for the Hearing Impaired included adaptations and developed media in the areas of concept development and decision-making skills. Activities further included field testing of 12 instructional packages and marketing and dissemination efforts for 18 materials. (CL)

The advantages of LOGO, a computer language, in the education of severely handicapped students are seen to include ease of programing and widespread use. Videotapes have been developed to help teachers use the approach. (CL)

SpecialNet, a computer-assisted telecommunications network for special educators, provides national and state bulletin boards on such topics as early childhood, policy, deafness, and rural education; commonly asked questions about the system are answered, and future services are projected. (CL)