Presents a study which attempts to link current theory to practical problems of applied communication. The power of coorientational variables is tested and compared with the power of commonly used individual characteristics in predicting the amounts and types of information sought by buyers of cosmetics. (JMF)

The behavior chain interruption strategy was used to teach four students with mental retardation and severe communication disorders the skill of requesting. All students learned requesting with a routine using graphic symbols and generalized these skills to two untaught routines. All also generalized requesting to out-of-routine contexts involving…

The profiles and developmental trajectories of adaptive behavior were cross-sectionally examined in 80 children with Down syndrome ages 1 to 11.5 years using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Profile findings indicated a significant weakness in communication relative to daily living and socialization skills. Within communication itself,…

Functional communication emphasizes the uses that communication serves in everyday interaction and places particular importance on the context in which the functions are performed. A practical means for integrating functional communication instruction into adult education environments is the learning community method. Learning community students…

Intended to help young people acquire independent daily living skills, this book is the group leader's guide to an advanced youth training curriculum for developing appropriate communication competence. The guide's first session introduces the basics of communication, while subsequent sessions focus on communication in all aspects of life: on the…

Intended to help young people acquire independent daily living skills, this book is the participant's guide to an advanced youth training curriculum for developing communication skills. The guide's first session introduces the basics of communication, while the subsequent seven sessions (each intended to take approximately one hour) focus on…

A guide to developing lesson plans for classroom instruction in English as a second language (ESL) based on learning style theory draws on the experience of the Arlington County Schools (Virginia). It begins by describing the theory of learning styles, their applications, and the process of developing lesson plans by "4matting," which postulates…

The manual examines three teaching programs designed to help special needs young adults cope with the normal demands of living in the community. Instruction is provided in college-based and community-based facilities by a course team. Three basic programs cover communication skills, self-help, and work experience. Each program includes information…

The Blind Adolescent Life Skills Center provides both individual and group instruction to 20 adolescents and young adults in mobility, living skills, communication, recreation, and social relations. (Author)

The manual describes instructional materials for visually impaired children at the prereadiness, readiness, and academic levels (prekindergarten through primary grades). Chapter I, which surveys instructional materials, contains a listing of materials by curricular areas (including communication, math, and daily living); a listing of materials in…

The document contains an instrument for the vocational assessment of severely handicapped individuals. Provided for each of eight assessment areas are a list of characteristics/procedures for evaluation and a form for recording results. The following areas are covered: general appearance (body cleanliness/grooming, clothing cleanliness,…

Presented for special education teachers are performance objectives to be used in individualizing instruction programs for emotionally disturbed students who will return to the regular classroom. Listed for the student's emotional, behavioral, and social adjustment are objectives for establishing positive interaction with family members, peers,…

The Centre is described as being designed to help native people participate more effectively in a modern Canadian environment. The residential family program includes a five-week Life Skills course followed by a two-year transfer of learning period during which counseling, paid employment, and community activities are available. (Author/MS)

Described is a two-pronged approach to assessment of cognitive-communicative functions in head injury, incorporating elements of both restorative and compensatory models. The approach combines: (1) use of standardized cognitive measures, and (2) observational protocols for systematic evaluation of functioning on integrated, multicomponent tasks…

Examination of the profiles and developmental trajectories of adaptive behavior of 80 children with Down's syndrome indicated a significant weakness in communication skills (especially expressive language), relative to daily living and socialization skills. Children ages 1-6 showed significant age-related gains in adaptive functioning, but older…