Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Using Smart Phone Technology To Improve Daily Living Skills For Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities, Jordan Stierle, Joseph B. Ryan, Antonis Katsiyannis, Pamela Mims, Alex Carson, Abigail Allen

ETSU Faculty Works

Background

Individuals with intellectual disabilities need continued supports in completing daily living tasks to increase the likelihood of achieving independence. Fortunately, research has shown that assistive technology, and particularly video prompting helps support independent living for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Aims

This study investigated the efficacy of a highly customizable task analysis smartphone application in assisting three young adults with intellectual disabilities learn how to cook three different multistep recipes.

Materials & Methods

Three young adults with intellectual disabilities enrolled in a four-year postsecondary education program (PSE) participated in a multiple probe design across participants to examine the effect of …

Opinion Paragraph Writing Intervention For Students With Significant Disability, Pamela J. Mims, Carol Stranger, R. Pennington, W. White, J. Sears, N. Strickler

ETSU Faculty Works

Increasingly, technology has been used to provide access to academic curricula for students with moderate to severe intellectual disability. In the current pilot study, we used a multiple probe across participants design to evaluate the effectiveness of a technology-based instructional package on the opinion writing skills of three middle school students with moderate and severe intellectual disability. Findings suggest that the intervention resulted in improved performance across all three participants and that all participants maintained performance at levels greater than baseline. Limitations and implications for practice and future research are discussed.

A Philosophical And Evidence-Based Basis For Including Students With Disabilities In The General Education Curriculum, Pamela J. Mims

ETSU Faculty Works

Those of us involved in education – administrators, teachers, parents, students, specialists, policy makers and researchers – must decide on the level of rigour that will take place in our classrooms. Decisions based on the least dangerous assumption (LDA) are providing outstanding results. Donnellan (1984) famously wrote that “we should assume that poor performance is due to instructional inadequacy rather than to student deficits” (p 142). This philosophy has been the foundation of recent research into the access available to the general curriculum and practice in the classroom by individuals who have a wide range of ability levels. As a …

A Culturally And Linguistically Responsive Framework For Improving Academic And Postsecondary Outcomes Of Students With Moderate Or Severe Intellectual Disability, Christopher J. Rivera, Bree A. Jimenez, Joshua N. Baker, Tracy Spies, Pamela J. Mims, Ginevra Courtade

ETSU Faculty Works

The needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students with moderate or severe intellectual disability (ID) are quite unique and complex. CLD students with moderate or severe ID face many of the same issues as their non-disabled CLD peers; however, due to the nature of their disability this may lead to even less access to the general curriculum, appropriate services, materials, and meaningful collaboration between families and educators. The purpose of this article is to provide a culturally responsive framework for facilitating academic instruction for CLD students with moderate or severe ID that also includes appropriate supports in an effort …

How To Implement Visual Activity Schedules For Students With Disabilities, Amy D. Spriggs, Wilhelmina Van Dijk, Pamela J. Mims

ETSU Faculty Works

Based on recent literature reviews on the use of Visual Activity Schedules (VAS) for students with intellectual disability and autism, the strategy has been deemed an evidence based practice. Using the literature highlighted in the recent reviews, this article provides an overview of VAS and common skills VAS has been used to teach. Additionally, the authors provide guidelines on schedules variations, creating schedules, and implementing the schedules. Finally, several examples of VAS are included.

Designing Effective School-Based Interventions For Children With Autism In Underserved Regions, John J. Wheeler

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Capturing Success! Using Remote Observation Technology For Teacher Candidate Supervision: What Does The Research Say?, Tina M. Hudson, Cathy Galyon Keramidas, Lori J. Marks

ETSU Faculty Works

Excerpt: In response to the shortage of special education teachers in rural areas, many teacher preparation programs are providing supervision to pre-service teachers via distance education technologies.

Take The Route To Effective Instruction: Evidence-Based Practices In Math Education For Students With Learning Disabilities, Lori J. Marks, Mollie E. Bellows, Tina M. Hudson

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Intrusiveness Of Behavioral Treatments For Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities: An Initial Investigation, Michael R. Mayton, Stacy L. Carter, Jie Zhang, John J. Wheeler

ETSU Faculty Works

The behaviors frequently displayed by students with autism can place them at risk for overly reactive behavior interventions with unwanted side effects. The current study examined the level of intrusiveness of behavioral treatments developed for 198 students with disabilities from 13 different states. Results demonstrated that students diagnosed with autism had proportionally more intrusive behavior interventions when compared to students in five other disability categories and indicated that many students with autism were unnecessarily subjected to highly intrusive behavior interventions. The implications of these findings are discussed, and recommendations for future research are provided.

Creating Meaningful, Community-Based Social Networks, Cynthia R. Chambers

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Learning With Laz, Cynthia R. Chambers

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Gluten-Free And Casein-Free Diets For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Evidence-Based Research Synthesis, Jie Zhang, Michael R. Mayton, John J. Wheeler

ETSU Faculty Works

In order to better assist practitioners and better serve persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families, it is vital for professionals to systematically evaluate the existing body of literature and synthesize its scientific evidence, so that the efficacy of research can be translated to evidence-based practices (EBPs) (Wheeler, 2007; Zhang & Wheeler, 2011). This research synthesis evaluated adherence to EBP standards and analyzed the effectiveness of gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diets for individuals with ASD. Four hundred and seventy articles were screened among peer-reviewed journals in English language published through 2010 using the Academic Search Complete search database. …

Spreading The Word: Reading, Journaling, And Social Engagement, M. Owens, Cynthia R. Chambers

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Effects Of A Treatment Package To Facilitate English/Language Arts Learning For Middle School Students With Moderate To Severe Disabilities, Pamela J. Mims, Angel Lee, Diane M. Browder, Tracie-Lynn Zakas, Susan Flynn

ETSU Faculty Works

This pilot study sought to develop and evaluate the use of a treatment package that included systematic and direct instruction on acquisition of literacy skills aligned with middle school English/Language Arts standards for students with moderate to severe disabilities, including autism. Participants included five teachers and 15 middle school students with moderate to severe disabilities who were primarily served in a self-contained setting. A one-group, nonrandomized, pre-posttest design was implemented to measure vocabulary, comprehen- sion of familiar text and unfamiliar text, poetry, research, and writing skills. Results indicated significant gains in vocabulary and comprehension of familiar text. Limitations, implications, and …

Data-Based Decisions Guidelines For Teachers Of Students With Severe Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Bree A. Jimenez, Pamela J. Mims, Diane M. Browder

ETSU Faculty Works

Effective practices in student data collection and implementation of data-based instructional decisions are needed for all educators, but are especially important when students have severe intellectual and develop- mental disabilities. Although research in the area of data-based instructional decisions for students with severe disabilities shows benefits for using data, there is limited research to demonstrate teachers in applied settings can acquire the decision-making skills required. The purpose of this research was to demonstrate how teachers from five states acquired a set of data-based decisions implementation guidelines through online professional development. Recommendations for practice and future research are included.

Pop Arts Enhances Skills, Creates Community, Cynthia R. Chambers

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Turning Pages Together: Supporting Literacy And Social Engagement, Cynthia R. Chambers

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Supporting Communication Using Pictures And Symbols, Lori J. Marks

ETSU Faculty Works

Boardmaker templates mentioned in the presentation are available here.

Modifications For Students With Learning Disabilities, Lori J. Marks

ETSU Faculty Works

Presentation discusses assistive technology devices: Simon Soounds It Out, WordMaker, Pix Writer, Co:Writer, Write:Outloud, WYNN and WYNN Wizard, Written Expression Software, Kidspiration, Start-to-Finish Reading Series,Neo, AlphaSmart 300, DANA, Lottie Kit.

Meeting The Federal Mandates: Research On Effective Reading Instructional Programs And Implications For Classroom Teachers, Sekhar Pindiprolu, David Forbush, Lori J. Marks

ETSU Faculty Works

Both the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) mandate (2001) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) (2004), call for use of scientifically validated reading instructional practices, curricula, and accountability for successful learning outcomes. This paper highlights one of the reading programs identified as scientifically validated by independent research groups and discusses its implications for classroom teachers. On the other hand, we do not embrace the idea that other reading programs are ineffective. We believe that there is no one single method or program to teach all children effectively. However, we believe that use of programs that have been …

An Analysis Of Assistive Technology Team Evaluations, Lori J. Marks, M. L. Mcmurray, C. Hales, M. K. Young

ETSU Faculty Works

No abstract provided.

Creating Talking Books Using Powerpoint, Lori J. Marks

ETSU Faculty Works

Presentation contains instructionson how to make a talking book using Microsoft PowerPoint. For examples of presentations, visit: http://faculty.etsu.edu/marks/workshops/05-06%20workshops/2005-2006workshops.htm

The Winding Road To Community Partnerships In Appalachia: A Faculty Perspective, Lori J. Marks, A. L. Nelson, J. P. Burngham, T. Coates, J. Duncan, E. Lowe, A. Lowery, E. Seier

ETSU Faculty Works

In 1998, the W.W. Kellogg Foundation provided funding for four universities to collaborate with surrounding communities on mutually beneficial projects, through the Expanding Community Partnerships Program. In a series of innovative learning collaborations, East Tennessee University, the University of Texas at El Paso, West Virginia University, and Northeastern University established strong, sustainable partnerships with organizations in their local communities. Although each university approached its partnering differently, they all shared the goal of benefiting the underserved communities where they are located and transforming their institutions by enhancing students’ educational experiences and strengthening faculty, student, administration, and staff relationships with local residents. …