The Integrated Programming Team: An Approach for Coordinating Professionals of Various Disciplines in Programs for Students with Severe and Multiple Handicaps

Abstract

Historically, several different team structures have been used to provide assessment and programming by various disciplines in educational settings. Student goals are established on the basis of isolated assessments by each team member with remedial programming provided through either direct (hands-on) or indirect (consultative) services. This article describes an alternate approach to team programming that uses parents and professionals to select unified programming goals, provide direct and indirect related services, integrate programming methods, and monitor student progress. Program philosophy and overall functional assessment-curriculum organizes team members and guides implementation within various educational structures serving students with severe disabilities.