Background: Microswitch-aided programs for persons with multiple disabilities (a) have been rarely used with participants possessing only minimal (e.g., eyelid) responses and (b) have generally targeted simple head or hand responses with higher functioning participants. This study extended the assessment of those programs with both types of…

In this study, it is aimed to determine the opinions of teachers working with students with multiple disabilities about the way in which they determine and use reinforcements during literacy education. The research was designed based on the qualitative research design, and the data was collected from 5 male and 15 female teachers using the…

The purpose of this embedded, multiple-case study was to conduct an international exploration of two teacher preparation programs for preservice teachers seeking licensure and specialism to teach students with severe, profound, and multiple disabilities. The study sought to learn about special education teacher preparation practices and structures…

The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between parents of pupils with multiple disabilities and their teachers. This, in order to understand the needs for special education teacher training programmes as these are perceived by the teachers who experienced an abrupt transition to distance learning as a result of the COVID-19…

Background/Context: Federal laws require equitable access to education for students with disabilities through educational placement in the least restrictive environment (LRE). However, research has determined students with significant support needs (SSN) are overrepresented in segregated educational placements. Focus of Study: This study explores…

Background: Quality of Life (QoL) may be a factor in physicians' decisions on treatment of persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD). We explored the perception of physicians on the QoL of persons with PIMD. Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews with seven experienced physicians treating persons with PIMD,…

Communication assessment of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) has seldom been investigated. Here, we explore approaches and decision making in undertaking communication assessments in this group of people. A questionnaire was sent to UK practitioners. The questionnaire elicited information about assessment…

Background: This study analysed parents' positive and negative appraisals of the impact of raising children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) on family life. Method: Mothers (n = 52) and fathers (n = 27) of 56 children with PIMD completed a questionnaire focused on their positive and negative appraisals of the impact of…

This dissertation seeks to explore the ways in which teachers in substantially separate classroom spaces make meaning of their work with students who have severe, multiple disabilities. In American urban public schools, a binary-laden culture perpetuates and reinscribes a dominant ideology that prizes inclusive settings and a meritocratic ethos…

Ohio's public schools provide special education services to children with disabilities as early as preschool. Every year, the Ohio Department of Education reports the number of preschool children who received state-funded special education services during the previous year. The 2017-2018 school year had an overall increase of 721 (1 percent)…

The transition to adulthood can be a challenging time for adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its complexity, however, may be magnified for families who have immigrated to the United States. This study examined the transition expectations and experiences of six first-generation, Latino parents and their transition-aged…

Background and Purpose: The unprecedented shift to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic intensified educational inequities for students with disabilities, a historically marginalized population in terms of access to quality instruction. Caregivers assumed an integral role in access to education during distance learning, making it…

The study aimed to investigate the parents' perspectives toward the effect of online learning on their child's learning, particularly, the ones with learning disabilities. This descriptive study randomly selected one hundred and ninety-three parents with students with learning difficulties. All participants received an online designed form of…

Transition beyond high school for students with disabilities was introduced in education over 50 years ago. Today, it has evolved to include data collection of ongoing mandated activities and post-school outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine student transition planning components and how these related to the post-school outcome data…

Background: Peers living in the same group form important interaction partners for people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). Given the severity of their disabilities, direct support persons (DSPs) play a significant role in facilitating interactions between these peers. This study explores the spontaneous interactions…