Abstract
This study compiles final reports of 12 Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services demonstration grant projects to examine services for individuals with severe disabilities and patterns of emphasis across key stakeholders. The reports identified a total of 639 project purposes, activities, outcomes, and barriers. These components were analyzed using a social systems framework consisting of four levels: student and family, program, organizational, and community. Results showed a consistently greater emphasis on the program level and a lesser emphasis on other levels, particularly at the community level. This pattern differed from project purposes which showed a more equal balance across the levels. In conjunction with the nature of the barriers projects experienced, this pattern of emphasis suggests that collaboration, both within and external to the projects, remains a significant issue. Collaboration and person-centered planning strategies may assist in involving stakeholders at all levels.
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