A method of developing programs which are both functional and developmentally appropriate for severely/profoundly handicapped adolescents is described. The method integrates adult referenced activities with training of the activities' developmental precursors. (Author/DB)

Outlines the benefits of community service programs in the schools. Provides a seven-step plan for developing such programs.(MD)

Physical education can be an integral part of the basics of education when the curriculum teaches fundamental skills, focuses on these skills for life survival, broadens awareness of the world, and provides recreation. (DF)

Describes the use of scripts to encourage language and literacy learning with primary school children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The scripts are designed to contextualize language learning while advancing curriculum content. A script of a doctor's-office visit illustrates the method and is interpreted in terms of a model of language and…

This article describes how one inclusive middle school addressed needs of students with significant disabilities for functional community-referenced skills including clothing purchases, buying groceries, eating out, crossing the street, doing laundry, and using a microwave. Program development, program organization, and involvement of peers…

Goals are presented for communication skills needed to function independently in the community. The goals, developed for adolescents/adults with severe/moderate mental handicaps, are situation-specific, outcome-oriented, and community-based. They deal with telephone use, shopping, leisure activities, traveling, banking, and going to a restaurant…

The Independent Living Project for Deaf/Blind Youth emphasized the teaching of home management, personal management, social/emotional skills, work skills, and communication skills to increase low-functioning teenagers' autonomy. The project included an independent living apartment in which a video monitoring system was used for indirect…

This article addresses the need for a multicultural perspective on life skills assessment for students with severe disabilities. Guidelines for making a life skills assessment process more multicultural are offered. (Author/DB)

A group counseling approach was used to enhance the self-concept of 10 congenitally visually impaired adolescents. Group sessions focused on such topics as self-perception, assertiveness, friendship, familial relationships, and independent living skills. Evaluation found significant improvement in self-concept, attitudes toward blindness, and…

The possibility is raised of teaching reasoning strategies to students with learning disabilities using a curriculum designed around reasoning by analogy. The research base for such instruction is summarized. These principles of critical thinking are illustrated through examples including reading the newspaper, counseling situations, and content…

This article offers a set of principles, procedures, and special considerations for teaching students who are deaf-blind with cognitive disabilities to make their own choices during mealtimes. The article shows how a typical daily activity can be used to teach choice making and how this skill can be increased in complexity as the student…

This annotated listing of program offerings for the out-of-school adult with learning disabilities is intended as a national reference guide. The 26 programs listed represent those available for learning-disabled adults who may never attend or do not succeed in traditional college programming. The programs focus primarily on basic education,…

A rationale and suggested approach for providing prevocational skill development to handicapped students are described. A comprehensive approach should include instruction in academic skills related to vocational training, instruction in daily living skills, guidance in personal and social adjustment skills, vocational assessment, and experiences…

In response to a deficiency in basic skills demonstrated by students admitted to Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), a Vocational Skills Assessment (VSA) program was developed to increase student awareness of personal and vocational strengths through hands-on assessment of their abilities. The VSA program has four integrated courses: (1) Skills…

This Spanish version of "How to Work and Live in the Real World: Basic Steps for Youth with Handicaps and Their Parents and Teachers" is for young people with handicaps who are getting ready to graduate from high school and begin working and living in the adult world. The booklet places a special focus on individuals with cultural…