My son Liam is 7 years old and he is deafblind. Liam loves reading and writing braille. I thought a great activity for summer break would be to learn about writing letters to our friends and family. It was my hope that it would be fun and...
Emergent Literacy
Posted by Tracy Fitch
How many of us serve students who have both a severe visual impairment and multiple disabilities, including intellectual disabilities? How many of us have attempted literacy instruction or braille with this population of students? And, if you have, how...
Posted by Kristie Smith
The other day when I was working with one of my students with multiple disabilities and a visual impairment, I heard heartbreaking words from a grieving parent, “Why are they still coming?” he asked with sadness.
Supporting...
Posted by Jaime Brown
It won't be long now before a new school year begins. This brings excitement for parents, as well as children, but it can also bring worry about the transition, especially for young children who are blind or visually impaired. The tips here...
Posted by Jaime Brown
The iPad is an incredible tool for all students, including those with CVI (cortical visual impairment). There are amazing accessibility features that enhance the experience. The iPad can be used to teach visual skills and to conduct vision...
Posted by Liamsmom
I am the mother of two young busy boys. My oldest Liam just turned 7 and is deafblind. My youngest Finn just turned 4 and has typical vision and hearing. A few years back I wrote about an accessible playground we made for the boys. I just...
Posted by Liamsmom
I have two boys. My oldest is 7 years old, deafblind, and an early braille reader. My youngest is 4 years old and has typical vision and hearing. We recently went on a road trip to visit family out of state. Planning for the trip...
Posted by Tracy Fitch
Introduction:
For my Cortical Visual Impairment mentor training we were assigned to adapt a book for all three phases of CVI. I chose The Very Hungry Caterpillar because I have several classes reading this book through the end of the school year. I...
Posted by Liamsmom
My son Liam just turned 7 and we celebrated his birthday at our home with family and friends from school. Liam happens to be deafblind and attends first grade in a mainstream setting. I wanted Liam's birthday party to be accessible and include...
Posted by ScarlettsEyes
As I have discussed previously in other blog posts my daughter Scarlett is a massive lover of music. My mini maestro is literally music mad and, although it is great to see such a burning passion in that area, it is also very important to develop a...
Posted by Catherine Summ
By Lisa Pruner and Catherine Summ
Education Consultants, CT DORS- Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind
Overview:
Officer Buckle and Gloria share everyday safety tips in ways which are engaging and funny for young...
Posted by Holly Cooper
By Holly Cooper, Ph.D., Early Childhood Specialist, Texas Deafblind Project, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Approaches to Literacy Experiences for Infants
When should braille be introduced in books?...
Posted by Liamsmom
My son Liam is 6 years old (almost 7!!) and he is deafblind. He enjoys helping me around the house. One of his chores is to unload the dishwasher (see Accessible Job Chart for the Home). When he first started helping with this, he...
Posted by Liamsmom
My son Liam has a good friend from school named Bella. They are in the same first grade class, where Liam is fully included. (Liam is deafblind and Bella has typical vision and hearing.) We love it when she gets to come over to our house to play!...
Posted by Gwyn McCormack
Creating a holistic approach based on a theme or story enables children who are visually impaired to access and enjoy literacy and numeracy activities in a meaningful way.
The film "Frozen" has been tremendously popular...
Posted by Jaime Brown
Students benefit from participating in a wide variety of different experiences. When they engage in an “experience” they are immersed in a rich learning environment. Students can have experiences within the classroom, outside, on a...
Posted by Linda Hagood
Introduction to Standard Tactile Symbols
The Developmental Model
Standardization: Moving from Concrete Tangible Symbols to More Abstract Tactile Symbols
The System is Sustained
Continuum of Symbol Systems...
Posted by Liamsmom
Last year my son started all-day Kindergarten in a public mainstream classroom. I was (and still am) a huge advocate for inclusion for my son Liam who is deafblind. One of my biggest hopes and goals for inclusion was all about the "social...
Posted by Liz Eagan
Tactile books are a great way to foster the development of literacy skills with any child who is visually impaired, including children with other significant disabilities. These can be used at home for enjoyment, to support understanding and anticipation...
Posted by Charlotte Cushman
The shopping is done and the presents are wrapped. The next thing to do is to put away the lists and make time to read aloud with your family. This is something that can be enjoyed by everyone at any age and can include songs, poems, rhymes....