About the Journal

Focus and Scope

Research, Advocacy, and Practice for Complex and Chronic Conditions: A Journal for Physical, Health, and Multiple Disabilities Services (RAPCC) is the official journal of Complex and Chronic Conditions, the Division for Physical, Health, and Multiple Disabilities (formerly DPHMD) of the Council for Exceptional Children. This peer-reviewed journal is published throughout the year. RAPCC is a multidisciplinary journal that focuses on research, issues, and program innovations that relate to the educational and related services needs of individuals with physical, health, and/or multiple disabilities.

Articles cover a wide range of topics, including: assessment, educational programming, access to the general curriculum, characteristics, training of instructional personnel, rehabilitation, prevention, community understanding and provisions, and legislation. 

All research articles in this journal have undergone rigorous peer review, based on initial editor screening and anonymous refereeing by three reviewers.

All published articles are the personal expression of the author(s) and do not necessarily carry the endorsement of CCC. CCC is the official division of the Council for Exceptional Children that advocates for quality education for all individuals with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, and special health care needs served in schools, hospitals, or home settings. The goals of CCC include:

  • Promoting the continued development of adequate resources and programs that address the many areas of need associated with serving children and adults with physical and/or multiple disabilities, and special health care needs.
  • Disseminating relevant and timely information on current issues, instructional strategies, adaptations, and research through the annual CEC convention, professional meetings, training programs, and publications.
  • Providing technical assistance and preservice and in-service education.
  • Advocating for funds and policies that promote supportive legislation and funding for persons with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, and specialized health care needs.
  • Supporting the activities, policies, and procedures of the CEC and the other CEC divisions.

Peer Review Process

RAPCC accepts submissions from anyone interested in the education and welfare of individuals with complex or chronic conditions such as physical, health, and/or multiple disabilities. The review of these submissions follows an anonymous process where the authors do not know the identity of the reviewers, nor do the reviewers know the identity of the authors.

Authors are encouraged to submit work in one of the following categories:

    • Editorials (1000-1500 words)
      • Raises a significant issue or problem that relates to our mission statement. 
      • The subject matter could include- complex and chronic conditions, supporting individuals who are twice exceptional, physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, and/or diagnosis.
    • Advocacy and Policy Papers (1000-1500 words)
      • Data-driven policy-making and legislative changes
      • The subject matter could include - position papers, problems to ponder, medical practices, collaborative approaches, lived experiences, Self-determination, and/or IEP/Manifestation Meetings. 
    • Implications and Strategies for Families (1500-2000) 
      • Support and resources for families. 
      • Subject matter could include - lived experiences and practical approaches from families, recommendations, and/or specific resources. 
    • Implications and Strategies for Practitioners (1500-2000) 
      • Support and resources for practitioners (i.e. medical personnel, support staff, education staff, administrators, employers, community leaders, etc.).
      • Subject matter could include - lived experiences and practical approaches with individuals with complex and support needs, recommendations, and/or specific resources.
    • Research/Empirical (3000-3500 words)
      • Research conducted that supports the mission of CCC. 
      • Methodology could include - Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods, Single-Subject, and Literature reviews. 
      • Must include implications for practice. 
      • We welcome graduate student research. 
    • Case Study (2000-2500 words)
      • Articles that bridge the research to practice or practice to research gap. 
      • Subject matter could include - a promising practice, pilot studies, and/or a small replication of a previous study. 

Articles published in RAPCC cover topics throughout the lifespan in home, school, hospital, rehabilitation, work, and community settings.

Articles submitted to RAPCC are subject to blind review by at least two and usually three anonymous reviewers selected by the Editor. Criteria for acceptance focus on relevance, potential reader interest, quality, applicability, contribution to the field, and economy and smoothness of expression. Research articles are reviewed based on standards appropriate to the methodology used in the study. The review process is usually completed within 3 months of receipt of the manuscript. RAPCC is focused on fairness and courtesy in the review process.

Viewpoints expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily conform to the positions of the Editor or CCC.

Publication Frequency

RAPCC publishes throughout the year, typically during the spring and fall. Articles will be published collectively, as part of their assigned issue. Members of CCC will be notified via email once a completed issue has become available.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.

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