Described are the diagnostic procedures employed for multiply and visually handicapped children 3-12 years of age functioning at the preschool level at the Boston Center for Blind Children. Diagnosis is seen to serve as a key to understanding the child and as a basis for planning services. Described is the center setting which serves six multiply…

A backward chaining procedure was used to train a 6-year-old blind, nonverbal, severely mentally retarded boy to dress himself. Trainers performed three types of procedures: no help, verbal instructions, and physical guidance and instructions. Results indicated that the procedure was successful in teaching the skills necessary for dressing, that…

Survey results from 48 state agencies for the blind provide statistical data on independent living programs for the elderly and multiply impaired blind. Conclusions are presented regarding the growth of the older blind population and the consequent policy issues, independent living service components, and need for additional resources. (JDD)

The article describes the Parent and Toddler Training Project, a research-based early intervention program for visually impaired and blind multihandicapped infants, toddlers, and their families in the Western Pennsylvania area. Project purposes include increasing infant social responsiveness, developing parenting skills, reducing family…

The article begins with a brief overview of P.L. 94-142, (The Education For All Handicapped Children Act), legal principles used by courts and hearing examinors in decisions about day versus residential placement, reviews the use of the factual record in determination of appropriate placements, and presents conclusions from case law. (CL)

A seven-year-old nonvocal blind child with cerebral palsy and possible mental retardation learned basic cause-and-effect tasks via a speech synthesizer and microcomputer. The author speculates on future communication development for the child. (CL)

New materials developed for young multihandicapped, visually impaired students by the Educational Research Department of the American Printing House for the Blind are reviewed. Includes a sensory stimulation art, prevocational materials, low-vision stimulation materials, and a home-based media program for developing critical skills in young blind…

The study found significant improvements in behavior when a profoundly mentally retarded blind subject was reinforced with music. The young woman also discriminated among different types of music, and behavior rates varied accordingly. (Author/DB)

Students with multiple disabilities, such as severe to profound mental retardation combined with motor and visual impairment, are usually unable to engage in constructive activity or play a positive role in their daily context. Microswitches are technical tools that may help them improve their status by allowing them to control environmental…