Introduction to the special issue / Fred P. Orelove and Stacy K. Dymond -- What constitutes effective curricula for students with severe disabilities / Stacy K. Dymond and Fred P. Orelove -- Conducting preference assessments and reinforcer testing for individuals with profund multiple disabilities: issues and procedures / Kent R. Logan and David L. Gast -- Customizing instruction to maximize functional outcomes for students with profound multiple disabilities / Pamela D. Smith, David L. Gast, Kent R. Logan, and Heidi A. Jacobs -- Meeting the communication needs of students with severe and multiple disabilities in general education classrooms / June E. Downing -- Integrating preference assessment within the transition process to create meaningful school-to-life outcomes / Sharon Lohrmann-O'Rourke and Ophelia Gomez