This paper discusses the oral and written communication demands of school on children with hearing loss from a script viewpoint, which emphasizes describing the role of actors, actions, props, routines, and possible variations of a given event. The paper first distinguishes among the schema, the script, and the routine. It also considers the role…

This is the first in a series of booklets written for developmentally disabled people who have been sexually assaulted. This initial booklet is designed for people who understand best with few words and who will read the booklet with a care-provider. Using large print, simple words, and numerous illustrations, the guide illustrates and names…

Three volumes contain the results of a projejct to develop an evaluation procedure and training program for young adults and adults with hearing impairments, visual impairments, or multiple handicaps. Four major components are included: (1) the National Independent Living Skills Screening Instrument, The National Independent Living Skills…

Intended for use by life skills coaches and students, program evaluators, and individuals developing lesson plans and other training materials, this taxonomy includes all of the terminal performance behaviors and corresponding sub-skills required to become and function as a balanced, self-determined person who manages the problems of everyday life…

Intended for parents of developmentally disabled children, the booklet (in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese versions) contains information for the parent to share with the child and offers suggestions for activities. Section 1 on physical health and nutrition shows how the proper foods and good eating habits help a healthy body resist illness.…

One of a series of materials developed by Project APT (Administrators, Parents, and Teachers/Assessment, Programing, and Training), a program designed to foster home/school coordination in educational planning and program inplementation for severely mentally retarded and/or multiply handicapped students; the booklet provides the Developmental…

Identifying the attributes of the resilient student is a teacher's primary step in building resiliency in all students. This resource book provides teachers with practical, concrete applications and activities for reframing the actions of even the most at-risk students; and changing the focus from problems to solutions, from deficits to strengths.…

Survival skills instruction for latchkey kids with special needs is discussed. Methods for cultivation of skills pertaining to physical well-being, accident prevention, emergency procedures, healthy lifestyles, and mental, social and emotional well-being are described. Sources of model programs and curriculum materials for self-care skills…

A father shares his family's experience raising two sons with neuromuscular impairments and offers advice for parents, teachers, and counselors working with such individuals. Specific problems and possible solutions are discussed, including self-esteem, written work, timed tests, physical education and recess, counseling, other assistance, and…

This article shows that unexpected gains can happen when teachers develop aggressive, innovative, and adaptive orientation and mobility (O&M) programming for children who are low-functioning. A case study illustrates strategies for using an adaptive mobility device, squaring-up, stepping out, and charting progress. Challenges to a successful O&M…

This paper discusses assessment of autistic and deaf-blind children with such severe difficulties in communication that they are often labeled as untestable and subsequently misdiagnosed as severely to profoundly mentally retarded. It urges nonintrusive assessment and appropriate intervention as the most relevant procedures for helping this…

This manual provides information on a follow-up study that investigated the transition outcomes of 90 students with disabilities who have exited Wisconsin's high schools, and provides materials to be used in training educators working with students with disabilities who are transitioning from school to work. The first part of the manual contains…

This book chapter outlines a number of key characteristics crucial to the integrity, utility, and efficiency of a behavioral assessment instrument for community living skills of people with developmental disabilities. In addition to basic psychometric considerations, the paper suggests that the functions of a behavioral assessment instrument could…

In educating children with disabilities, training for independence should begin early, and the "technology" may be very simple. This paper lists activities designed to increase gross, fine motor, cognitive, and eye-hand coordination skills needed for independent living. It encourages caregivers to engage young children in active learning…

Intended primarily for parents of teenagers or young adults with mild and moderate mental disabilities, this guide offers a specific program to teach basic budgeting skills. The program is differentiated for teenagers who either can count money or who have trouble reading and counting money. The program for teenagers who can count money begins…