Abstract

Cluster analysis was used to group a sample of 251 deaf-blind persons according to 11 activity variables. Results indicated that meaningful educational training classification could be achieved using activity variables. The variables that discriminated best among the three groups were gross motor, language, leisure activities, and socialization. The largest difference between the lowest functioning group and the middle group was demonstrated for gross motor and other physical activities. Language and cognitive activities best explained the differences between the middle group and the highest functioning group. The highest functioning group had the least vision loss and lowest percentage of persons with additional disabilities. The lowest group had the highest percentage of persons with seizures, cerebral palsy, and the greatest vision loss. The middle group had the highest percentage of mentally retarded persons.

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