Monday, January 30, 2012

Fwd: Video Poster Contest

Neighbors Federal Credit Union, long time partner to EBRPSS and to the I CARE program has asked that we distribute this information to teachers and students about a video and poster contest for students...concerning a financial smarts program for students.  It even comes with teacher lesson plans!
With Mrs. Atkins permission I am forwarding this to all staff for sharing with students.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend in the gorgeous weather!


Becky Young
Prevention Works!


Becky Young, M. Ed.
Licensed Prevention Professional
Director,  I CARE Program
Title IV-SDFSC
East Baton Rouge Parish Schools


 Ann Marie Erie AErie@neighborsfcu.org 1/27/2012 3:32 PM

Home » State Activities » State Coalitions » Louisiana » Activities » 2012 Events » 2012 Young Millionaires Poster & Video Contest

2012 Young Millionaires Poster & Video Contest


Since 2008, the Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition, in an effort to inspire Louisiana youth to become more financially savvy, has sponsored a Financial Literacy Poster Contest. We're adding the creative medium of video this year for high school students.
Our poster and video contest is a great way to get young students thinking about how to manage money effectively and offers them a creative outlet to demonstrate their knowledge. It offers the opportunity for local and state recognition for student artwork and rewards winners with a recognition plaque and a cash prize.

USE YOUR CREATIVE TALENTS

TO WIN CASH!

LESSON PLAN FOR TEACHERS
Share this information with students before they begin design of their poster or video.
Submission Deadline for poster and video entries: Friday, March 16, 2012
Must be a resident of the state of Louisiana to enter a poster or video.
Questions? Email us at: louisianajumpstart@gmail.com
Sponsored by
Lela.org
                   CBBR foundation

Financial Literacy Builds our Tomorrows


Ann Marie Erie
Community Outreach Coordinator

Neighbors Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 2831

Baton Rouge, LA  70821
225.819.5748    (Phone)
225.819.8923    (Fax)
AErie@neighborsfcu.org

Video Poster Contest



Neighbors Federal Credit Union, long time partner to EBRPSS and to the I CARE program has asked that we distribute this information to teachers and students about a video and poster contest for students...concerning a financial smarts program for students.  It even comes with teacher lesson plans!
With Mrs. Atkins permission I am forwarding this to all staff for sharing with students.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend in the gorgeous weather!


Becky Young
Prevention Works!


Becky Young, M. Ed.
Licensed Prevention Professional
Director,  I CARE Program
Title IV-SDFSC
East Baton Rouge Parish Schools

4070
Baton Rouge, LA
225-- office
225- - fax
225-- cell
beckyy



>

Jump$tart.org Home
Louisiana
Home » State Activities » State Coalitions » Louisiana » Activities » 2012 Events » 2012 Young Millionaires Poster & Video Contest

2012 Young Millionaires Poster & Video Contest

2012 Young Millionaires Poster and Video Contest
Since 2008, the Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition, in an effort to inspire Louisiana youth to become more financially savvy, has sponsored a Financial Literacy Poster Contest. We're adding the creative medium of video this year for high school students.
Our poster and video contest is a great way to get young students thinking about how to manage money effectively and offers them a creative outlet to demonstrate their knowledge. It offers the opportunity for local and state recognition for student artwork and rewards winners with a recognition plaque and a cash prize.
USE YOUR CREATIVE TALENTS

TO WIN CASH!
LESSON PLAN FOR TEACHERS
Share this information with students before they begin design of their poster or video.
Submission Deadline for poster and video entries: Friday, March 16, 2012
Must be a resident of the state of Louisiana to enter a poster or video.
Questions? Email us at: louisianajumpstart@gmail.com
Sponsored by
Lela.org                    CBBR Foundation
Financial Literacy Builds our Tomorrows

Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy
National Headquarters: 919 18th Street, N.W. Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (888) 45-EDUCATE | Fax: (202) 223-0321 | Contact National Jump$tart | Billing Address
Contact information for state coalitions is available on their respective websites.
Copyright © 1997-2012 The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.
All rights reserved.
Jump$tart Coalition
Ann Marie Erie
Community Outreach Coordinator
Neighbors Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 2831

Baton Rouge, LA  70821
225.819.5748    (Phone)
225.819.8923    (Fax)
AErie@neighborsfcu.org



Neighbors Federal Credit Union, long time partner to EBRPSS and to the I CARE program has asked that we distribute this information to teachers and students about a video and poster contest for students...concerning a financial smarts program for students.  It even comes with teacher lesson plans!
With Mrs. Atkins permission I am forwarding this to all staff for sharing with students.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend in the gorgeous weather!


Becky Young
Prevention Works!


Becky Young, M. Ed.
Licensed Prevention Professional
Director,  I CARE Program
Title IV-SDFSC
East Baton Rouge Parish Schools



>>> Ann Marie Erie <> 1/27/2012 3:32 PM >>>
Jump$tart.org Home
Louisiana
Home » State Activities » State Coalitions » Louisiana » Activities » 2012 Events » 2012 Young Millionaires Poster & Video Contest

2012 Young Millionaires Poster & Video Contest

2012 Young Millionaires Poster and Video Contest
Since 2008, the Louisiana Jump$tart Coalition, in an effort to inspire Louisiana youth to become more financially savvy, has sponsored a Financial Literacy Poster Contest. We're adding the creative medium of video this year for high school students.
Our poster and video contest is a great way to get young students thinking about how to manage money effectively and offers them a creative outlet to demonstrate their knowledge. It offers the opportunity for local and state recognition for student artwork and rewards winners with a recognition plaque and a cash prize.
USE YOUR CREATIVE TALENTS

TO WIN CASH!
LESSON PLAN FOR TEACHERS
Share this information with students before they begin design of their poster or video.
Submission Deadline for poster and video entries: Friday, March 16, 2012
Must be a resident of the state of Louisiana to enter a poster or video.
Questions? Email us at: louisianajumpstart@gmail.com
Sponsored by
Lela.org                    CBBR Foundation
Financial Literacy Builds our Tomorrows

Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy
National Headquarters: 919 18th Street, N.W. Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (888) 45-EDUCATE | Fax: (202) 223-0321 | Contact National Jump$tart | Billing Address
Contact information for state coalitions is available on their respective websites.
Copyright © 1997-2012 The Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.
All rights reserved.
Jump$tart Coalition
Ann Marie Erie
Community Outreach Coordinator
Neighbors Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 2831

Baton Rouge, LA  70821
225.819.5748    (Phone)
225.819.8923    (Fax)
AErie@neighborsfcu.org



Arlington public safety hockey game on Saturday to benefit Batten disease sufferer http://blogs.star-telegram.com/crime_time/2012/01/arlington-public-safety-hockey-game-on-saturday-to-benefit-batten-disease-sufferer--1.html


 

Impaired but Empowered: Deaf Blind

Impaired but Empowered: Deaf blind
She has a case of a deaf blind child who came to her when he was nearly 3 yrs old. The parents were too hassled and running around trying to look for solutions ...
impemp.blogspot.com/2012/01/deaf-blind.html

 

The Hindu : Cities / Vijayawada : A word of caution on retinopathy of prematurity

The Hindu : Cities / Vijayawada : A word of caution on retinopathy of prematurity

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Microsft Accessibility: Guide for Individuals with Vision Impairments

I'm asked about the accessibility features at schools all the time. Here's the link that explains the features built in to Windows 7:
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/guides/vision.aspx

Microsoft Narrator is OK for temporary use. I , my students and friends prefer JAWS, but when you are borrowing someones computer MS Narrator is fine.

All y students with stargard's and albinism who need contrast adjustments should know how to change the contrast at school. Their teachers should know that they need to adjust the view and/or contrast for low vision at school.

Braille Production with MacOS

[Source Link: http://www.tsbvi.edu/blog/otrtech/2012/01/27/braille-production-with-macos/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter]http://www.tsbvi.edu/blog/otrtech/2012/01/27/braille-production-with-macos/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter]

African-Americans with Albinism

This is an article from NOAH concerning one of the issues in which I have had particular involvement for the past seven years and that is my students with albinism who are of African-American heritage.

Many people ask if the incidence of albinism in non-whites is higher than in whites. The answer is no. The incidence seems higher because people with albinism born into non-white races are more instantly recognizable, and because traditional studies of albinism have been done in smaller closely related tribes where there seem to be more affected individuals.

Physical Differences

Whereas the majority of whites with albinism have pale blond or white hair, pink white skin, and blue eyes, black persons with albinism tend to have hair of a deeper, brighter yellow, cream-colored skin, and green or hazel eyes.
Although the physical problems of low vision and sun sensitivity are the same for both whites and non-whites, the social problems of non-whites are compounded. In the Caucasian races blond hair, blue eyes, and alabaster skin are considered so highly desirable that brunettes often bleach their hair or wear colored contacts. The Victorians wore white wigs and powdered their skin to a chalky white. Fairy tale heroines are said to have skin white as snow.
The same physical attributes in darker races are taboo. Individuals in these races often are ostracized because of erroneous beliefs and unfounded fears. A basic theme in many variations in that God is delivering judgment on a family with albinism and that the individual with albinism is cursed, or is the embodiment of sin. In some religions and societies, this curse may seem true. Anyone taking as a partner a person with albinism must be prepared to suffer ridicule and disapproval from family, friends, or even the church.
Another belief is that the person with albinism is the result of incest or inbreeding. The most common myth of today is that the non-Caucasian person with albinism must be the result of mixed marriage. Those who hold this view are unaware that people with albinism existed in societies of color before those societies had any contact with Caucasians.
Peers sometimes accuse black people with albinism of "trying to pass." Indeed, some have found having albinism so painful that it is simply easier to be "white." Peers may believe that the hard-earned achievements of a black person with albinism resulted from a white teacher or supervisor favoring the him or her.

The Family of Color with Albinism

Misunderstanding of the causes of albinism is sometimes the catalyst for extra family stress. An already distrusting and jealous father may feel that his partner has cheated on him with a white man. He may be unable to accept the child as his. He may treat mother and child harshly, or even leave altogether, goaded by family and friends. Though the mother knows that she has been faithful, only recently has blood testing allowed her to prove it. If the father stays, he may make the child with albinism the target of subtle or outright resentment. Family dysfunction such as alcoholism, drug abuse, or mental illness may compound the problems for the child.
If the mother feels "stuck" with childcare and custody, she may abuse or even abandon the child. She may endure disapproval from both races, because some people still frown upon what they assume to be interracial coupling. Mothers have reported being mistaken for baby-sitters, or in extreme cases, kidnappers.
On the other hand, many parents, after their initial shock, say they feel that their albino child is a special gift to them. They find the "golden" children attractive and welcome additions to the family, and they are quite proud of them.
School age children and teenagers with albinism often find themselves left out of extracurricular activities and social events by other black youth. Children with albinism may learn to avoid rejection by withdrawing. The child's peers then may see him or her as unfriendly or even hostile, and a cycle of isolation is set up.
Children with albinism may learn to compensate for their lack of self-esteem by striving harder in school and other activities. They tend to exceed at whatever they try. Many Black people with albinism have succeeded as technicians, legal assistants, entrepreneurs, computer programmers, preachers, college professors . . . the list goes on and on. Once overcoming the low self-esteem brought on by early social stigma, people with albinism often become high achievers.

Coping

Coping and dealing with albinism has run the gamut from being militant in one's racial conviction to wearing dark make-up and hair color or surgically altering one's appearance to pass for white. Some may argue that these may not be coping at all. From my point of view, coping meant coming to the realization that this is exactly what the creator wanted me to be. My albinism was present with me since my creation, from the earliest stages of development in the uterus. I am a typical person with albinism. My hair, skin, and eye color are in no way different from other non-white people with albinism. To me, albinism is a situation no different than that of a redhead being born into a family of brunettes.
My other coping mechanism is the realization that albinism is an old, old "race." We have been recorded in every part of the world, in every era, in every culture known to humans. It has been said that we may represent in fact the oldest recorded genetic condition.
Virginia Small, NOAH Director
Reviewed by the NOAH Albinism Awareness Committee: James Haefemeyer, MD, MS, Chair, NOAH Board of Scientific Advisors; Janice Knuth, MSW, ACSW, LSW, President, NOAH 1982-1993; Charla McMillan, MS, President, NOAH, 1996-2000; Michael McGowan, President, NOAH, 2001-2002.

[Source Link: The NOAH (National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation) web site at http://www.albinism.org/publications/african-americans.html

Hair story

When minorities go missing, it doesn't make the news. This case is a most horrible tragedy:

Whittier youth given multiview magnifier

Thursday, January 26, 2012

New Twitter

Some of my former students are on both Twitter and Facebook. So am I! It seems to be a matter of preference as to which they prefer. Twitter seems to be more conducive for the totally blind or braille readers using a screen reader. Facebook is more visual so those with some sight or with low vision prefer it. I don't know. What's your opinion?

 I have  started  new Twitter account for Ms. Kathy's Kids at https://twitter.com/#!/MrsKathysKids. It's separate from my personal Twitter account.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Low Vision Bureau Interview

Here's the link to the pod cast with the interview I did with Alvaro Gutierrez of the the Low Vision Bureau Project:
http://lowvisionbureau.podomatic.com/entry/2012-01-14T09_38_54-08_00

Jindal's plan: Controversial, unjust and insulting

MsKathyssLogo2.gif picture by mskathy0724



Special Edition: Your LFT Connection

Jindal's education agenda: Poorly worded, controversial, unjust and insulting

Dear Colleague,

Just before Christmas, Governor Jindal invited the Federation, legislative leaders and other stakeholders to have a conversation about education. During this meeting, the governor listened politely to all comments and repeated his promise to continue meeting and keep listening as he prepared his "bold plan" for education.

On January 17, the governor unveiled his plan in a speech to the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Unfortunately, the governor chose his words very poorly as he framed his controversial agenda.

On one hand, Gov. Jindal acknowledged teachers as the backbone of education and urged that teachers be celebrated and appreciated. However, just moments later he inaccurately and unfairly asserted to these influential business leaders that teachers "are given lifetime job protection…and short of selling drugs in the workplace or beating up" their students, teachers couldn't be fired.

Not only is this statement untrue, its evocation of those specific behaviors in reference to educators is unjust and insulting. It would indeed be unfortunate if the tone set in his speech is an indicator of the attitude he and his allies will assume in the upcoming legislative session.

We had hoped that the governor would identify areas where consensus among stakeholders could emerge in the best interests of children and all citizens. There are more than 30 policy initiatives outlined in the governor's press material, a barrage of ideas that will have to be carefully sorted when lawmakers come into session on March 12.

Is a Value Added teacher evaluation good for Louisiana?

Politicians believe the Value Added Model is right for Louisiana teachers. LFT isn't so sure.

Beginning in 2012-13, Louisiana teachers will be evaluated using a new instrument that incorporates what is known as a Value Added Model. The VAM makes judgments about a teacher's performance based on student growth as measured by standardized tests.

From the beginning, LFT opposed passage of the bill that created the Value Added Model for teacher evaluation. But the bill had strong support from leaders as diverse as President Obama, Governor Jindal, Senators Landrieu and Vitter, the State Superintendent of Education, the BESE Board and the House and Senate Education Committees.

Aware of the strength of VAM's support, LFT worked with lawmakers to improve the bill as much as possible, even as we continued to oppose its passage.

Some leaders in Baton Rouge want you to believe their new evaluation scheme is fail-safe. To find out why we disagree, and to learn much more about the Value Added model, please visit this Web page.






Thursday, January 19, 2012

Medical Daily : Social Media Campaign Targets ‘Neglected Tropical Diseases’

Social Media Campaign Targets 'Neglected Tropical Diseases'

The Sabin Vaccine Institute on Tuesday launched a fund-raising social media campaign to drum up grass roots support to battle seven major "neglected tropical diseases" by 2020.

You might be interested in this page.

Kerri on the Prairies- Retinopathy of Prematurity

Another parent blog with their experiences with their preemie infant. I like when I find these because they allow parents of preemies--especially those with ROP to see that they are not alone.
http://kerriontheprairies.com/words/retinopathy-of-prematurity/

Ms. Kathy,Visual Impairments Specialist SES
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com

Sutureless Intrascleral Posterior Chamber IOL Fixation Offers Long-Term Stability

I read this article at OSNSuperSite.com and thought you might be interested:
Sutureless intrascleral posterior chamber IOL fixation offers long-term stability, centration
I found this article at OSNSuperSite.com and thought you might be interested.

Colour blindness helps monkeys catch camouflaged prey | Nature | The Earth Times


Colour blindness helps monkeys catch camouflaged prey | Nature | The Earth Times
Source: earthtimes.org

A recent project has reversed the opinions we tend to hold on colour vision. The study on various types of tamarin monkey suggests colour blindness actually helps monkeys catch camouflaged prey.
 

Grapes Could Help Prevent Age-Related Blindness


U.S. study finds grapes could help prevent age-related blindness
To view it click here:
http://www.freshfruitportal.com/2012/01/12/u-s-study-finds-grapes-could-help-prevent-age-related-blindness/

http://www.freshfruitportal.com

Pets needed for emotional support can spark condo disputes

This column was sent to you by: Kathy
--------------------
Pets needed for emotional support can spark condo disputes
--------------------
Daniel Vasquez
Sun Sentinel Columnist
January 10 2012, 7:32 PM EST
Your condominium or homeowners community may ban pets, but Florida and federal fair housing laws require boards to make exceptions for owners with disabilities.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-pets-rules-condocol-20120110,0,7932296.column
Visit South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com at http://www.sun-sentinel.com

Batten's Disease


http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com

My girls could be dead before they're 12 - we have to make the most of every day! - mirror.co.uk

http://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/real-life/2012/01/13/my-girls-could-be-dead-before-they-re-12-we-have-to-make-the-most-of-every-day-115875-23696670/#.TxCqcodgY3M.email
---

Deafblind Cymru 'In Touch' befriending service


African-Americans with Albinism Support

I need--not for me but for my students--some support in the form of mentorship for my students of African-American descent with albinism from adults with the same condition. I'm calling on all of you who know me and for those who don't who would like to mentor these children. Our children of African heritage have special concerns and issues beyond the physical.
Thanks in advance!
Visual Impairments Specialist Scotlandville Elementary http://lee.ebrschools.org/kathynicholslee
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com

Children's Charity_- Retinopathy of Prematurity


http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com

Medical Daily : Social Media Campaign Targets ‘Neglected Tropical Diseases’

Social Media Campaign Targets 'Neglected Tropical Diseases'

The Sabin Vaccine Institute on Tuesday launched a fund-raising social media campaign to drum up grass roots support to battle seven major "neglected tropical diseases" by 2020.

You might be interested in this page.

Batten's Disease: Children's Hospital Celebrates First Year of Discoveries


Sunglasses at Night: The Cliches of blindness on TV


http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com

Country singer joins Austin dad's effort in finding cure for disease | kvue.com Austin



 Country singer joins Austin dad's effort in finding cure for disease | kvue.com Austin*
SAVE THIS link FORWARD THIS link


http://www.kvue.com/entertainment/Country-music-superstar-helps-dad-find-cure-for-deadly-disease-137282158.html

Hageman Receives LightHouse Award


http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com

Blind Zimbabwean Beggars Try Their Luck in South Africa

Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Ms. Kathy thought you would like to see the Radio Netherlands Worldwide web site.

Blind Zimbabwean beggars try their luck in South Africa

by RNW Africa Desk
Dozens of blind beggars from Zimbabwe have crossed the crocodile infested Limpopo River in search of greener pastures in South Africa. Leaving the economic woes of their country behind them, they stand at street intersections, traffic lights and road pavements begging for money and food. But their only source of income is now threatened as the city authorities intensify efforts to remove them from the streets.
By Thuso Khumalo, Johannesburg
Click here to read more on our site

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

First Semester Activities for Severe Profound Students

I have enjoyed making my rounds to all the classes. however, most of you know I have more schools and over twice the number of students to see as I did last year, so if I did not get to make these items personally for your classes, please understand that there is not enough time in the day, nor can I purchase everything from my own pocket as I would like. These activities are/were especially for our children with multiple disabilities.

CALENDAR POSTERS
We were able to make a few and give directions for making them for the rest. If you did not receive one the directions are simple. You will need:
  • 2 poster boards
  • paste or white glue used very sparingly
  • Markers
  • Post-it notes
  • Calendar numbers from Dollar Tree
  • Velcro circles or squares with adhesive backing (you can get strips and cut them into squares)
  • Braille labeller or stickers if appropriate
  • Ziplock bag

Directions:
  • Stick post-its to the bottom of the posters seven across in five rows. Pull up every other post-it once they are straight. That will make a checkerboard-looking section for putting on dates. Now use glue or paste to secure the Post-its you didn't take up.
  • At the top of the poster you may want to make a nice picture, use class photos or write "Mr./Mrs. __'s Class" or "Class Calendar." I can draw some for you while I'm visiting your class if you let me know.
  • Write a day of the week at the top of each column of Post-its.
  • Laminate the poster
  • On the calendar markers, write the numbers 1-31 in large print.
  • With the second poster, cut 12 strips for the months. Make them colorful. You may want to draw of glue seasonal symbols. You can also find these pre-made at Dollar Tree.
  • Laminate the months and symbols. Stick Braille on if appropriate. (Your  V.I. specialist can label them for you) If braille is not appropriate for any of your students you can use dry-erase makers to write the numbers on your calendar each day--or allow student who are able to take turns writng the new number each day as in the calendar show in the photo.
  • If using braille or if you prefer removeable numbers: Stick the velcro circles or squares in the center of the squares made by the Post-its on the laminated poster.
    Stick your number on top. Pull them off and store them in the ziplock bag.
PLEASE contact me in the comment section if these directions are not clear because it's the end of a work day and the mind is a terribel thing! LOL!

OLFACTORY KITS
These kits are what we saved the medicine containers for. I thank all the "regular ed" staff who helped me save these. My husband and I have been saving all of our med containers--and boy, do we take enough meds! LOL!  So if anyone who has not started one and needs containers, just contact me because we should have plenty to go around. Ask staf at your individual schools, too. Those of you who no longer have children on my caseload can still get some. Your V.I. teacher will know how to get them from me.

You Will Need:
  • Address labels
  • scents or objects with scents that will fit into
  • empty, washed medicine containers
  • cottonballs

Directions:
  • Wash the containers and make sure the original labels are removed. You may need to soak them in warm soapy water for about 20 minutes.
  • Collect scents from potpourri, hard candy, body sprays, cough drops, soap, shampoo, scented oils, spices, etc.
  • Label each container with the scent it contains.
  • For liquids, dampen cottonballs with them. This is for safety, incase one of the children can grab the container the liquid will not spill.
  • Make sure that you change some liquids and food items when not using them for a while or they may spoil or grow mold in the containers. Ew!
  • Make sure, if you use food items, that they don't have even the slightest essence of peanuts in them because even a whiff of peanuts can be hazzardous to our kids with severe allergies. You know your kids, though.
Calendar Boxes
For most of you that needed them, I purchased the giveaway Glad storage containers and glued them together with hot glue in strips of three to six. On the bottom I glued non-skid shelf-liner so the children cannot slide them around very easily as they work with them.

You were to find things that represented the time of day according to your schedule. I had a few things for you to use but I can't supply everyone and you know what objects will be the best symbols to use for your students.

One thing to note is that if you cannot find actual appropriate objects it is okay to use an abstract shape if you use the same one for the same activity each time. For instance, you may have an actual spoon to represent lunch and breakfast and a spoon will fit into one of the squares perfectly. But, try as you may, you will not fit a swing into one tiny square to represent recess or playground time.  In one class, we found a few links of chain to represent a swing. In my preschool V.I. class I used a tiny action figure--a baseball player-- and that worked for that child as a symbol for "playground."  Although she functioned as a deaf-blind child, I knew she understood when I saw her replace the symbol for "library" with the baseball figure as she laughed to herself, went to the door with her cane and announced, "Playground time, class!"


Zipper Pulls
These are simply the smaller key rings from the crafts department at WalMart. We use them for helping children with dexterity issues, to grasp zippers on their little pants, coats or bookbags. Put the hook part in the hole that is on the metal part of the zipper and hook the ring, if needed, to the hook.

JingleBell Bracelets
These were not just Christmas toys and I tried to get one to each of you so that you can see how they are made and make them as needed. The purpose for our multi-disabled children is to teach cause and effect. if they have a jinglebell attached to a piece if elastic around their arm and they're capable of moving their arm they may soon associate that when they move, the bell rings. I used rather quite bells on the ones I brought around but you can use velcro straps and larger bells or even clusters of bells--depending on the strength and mobility the child has in an arm or leg and how much jingling your ears can stand. LOL!

I pray these ideas were a help for our multi-disabled visually impaired children this semester and I will have more items that we can work on together for the second semester.

New Education about Eye Care for Children on Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water

New Education about Eye Care for Children on Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Louis Braille

Source Link: http://www.christianity.com/ChurchHistory/11630360/

January 4, 1809
Blind Louis Braille Gave Reading to the Blind
Dan Graves, MSL

At four o'clock in the morning on this day, January 4, 1809, in Coupvray, France, a local midwife eased tiny Louis Braille into the world. Louis was the fourth child of his mother, Monique, and his father Simon, a leather worker. The pair formed a sturdy middle-class couple, devout and prosperous. But the boy appeared frail, so they arranged to have him baptized right away.

Louis quickly showed himself to be a bright-eyed child, prying into everything. The early death that had been feared for him did not happen. However, another disaster struck. Three-year-old Louis had been warned not to play with his father's tools. But temptation was strong. One day, when no one was looking, he took up a sharp knife and tried to cut a piece of leather. The blade slipped, gouging one of his eyes. The wound became dangerously infected. Then the infection spread to his good eye. Louis was blind.


The town's old priest died. Father Jacques Palluy took his place. He saw the potential of young Louis and began to teach him. Afterward, Palluy arranged for a newly appointed schoolmaster to instruct Louis. The good priest later got Louis admitted to the Royal Institution for Blind Youth.

At the institute, Louis proved to be an apt pupil. In addition to his regular subjects, he learned to play the piano. Playing religious music on the organ would become one of the joys of his later life.

Captain Barbier introduced a system of raised dots to the Royal Institute. It had serious flaws. Young Louis was still just a boy, but he set out to solve the problems of Barbier's system. The captain was reluctant to accept suggestions from a boy, so Louis began to experiment at night. At fifteen, he created the world's first really good system for blind reading. At nineteen years of age, he developed a Braille system of writing music. At twenty, he was a teacher at his own school.

In writing of his own system, Louis never sought glory, happy to remind his readers how much he owed to Captain Barbier. This, despite the fact that Barbier fought Louis' system and tried to get his own method made the official medium of instruction. Louis showed true saintliness. His frustration must have been great, because teachers, afraid of losing their jobs, also resisted the improved system.

Deeply modest, Louis hid his many acts of kindness and charity. These were often sacrificial. For instance, he gave up a position he loved, playing organ for a church, simply because another blind person needed it more than he did.

Louis developed tuberculosis in young manhood. As he lay dying he said, "God was pleased to hold before my eyes the dazzling splendors of eternal hope. After that, doesn't it seem that nothing more could keep me bound to the earth?" He asked for final communion about midday on January 6, 1852. After three and a half hours of agony late that afternoon, he died at seven-thirty in the evening.

Bibliography:

Feldman, Anthony. Scientists & Inventors. New York: Facts on File, 1979; p. 140.
Roblin, Jean. The Reading Fingers. Life of Louis Braille, 1809-1852. American Foundation for the Blind, 1955.
--- Louis Braille. Royal National Institute for the Blind London: England.
Various internet and encyclopedia articles.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Olfactory Kits

I have friends who save medicine containers for me so that I can make these for some of my multidisabled students. Then we collect scented samples to keep in them. You can use kitchen seasonings, cough drops, candy, orange peels,  potpourri and as in this case, body sprays from a dollar store.

I like the medicine containers better than 35mm film canisters because, well, first they're easier to find since people are using digital cameras and cell phones. Second: after rinsing the medicine residue from  these containers, the childproof caps make these safer incase there is a child who has the dexterity to grab one and try to open it for him/herself. 

I also like to soak cottonballs with the liquid scents so that incase a child can grab one, none of the liquid will pour out. Depending on the liquid, you may need to change out the cotton balls every 2 weeks or so in case you've used a liquid that will support mold growth.

CEC SmartBrief: Can Students with Autism Learn Social Skills Through Theater?

CEC News Brief

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January 5, 2012

 
Can students with autism learn social skills through theater?
A researcher at the University of Virginia is studying the use of theater education as an alternative to rote instruction for teaching social skills to students with autism. The approach is based on the assumption that students with autism know how to behave socially but cannot always act upon that knowledge at appropriate times, and allows students to practice their skills as part of role-playing. Harvard Education Letter
(January/February 2012)        
Students consider inclusion of those with disabilities at school events
Students at several schools in San Francisco recently participated in activities to commemorate national Inclusive Schools Week. In one school, students had to think about how to better include classmates with physical disabilities on the playground by participating in disability simulations. "They're definitely empathizing with what it could be like to have a challenge," said parent Catherine Dauer, whose son has cerebral palsy. "They're learning to be helpful and respectful, but they're realizing that if they had a challenge, they wouldn't want help all the time." The Examiner (San Francisco)
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At MetLife, Protecting Your Family Is Our Business
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  Educational Leadership 
Many schools lack full-time school nurses amid budget cuts
At least 50% of U.S. schools do not have a full-time nurse on staff, and that number is expected to grow amid ongoing budget cuts. "Children are coming to school with increasingly complex medical conditions that need to be managed on a daily basis. And when there is no school nurse available, those kids are not going to be well-managed in school, and so it puts them at risk for complications," said Linda Davis-Alldritt, president of the National Association of School Nurses. NPR.org
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How should teachers establish goals for the new year?
Teachers should establish goals -- not resolutions -- that they want to achieve in the new year, says Elena Aguilar, a district leadership coach in California. She offers two examples in which teachers establish clear goals, "take small steps" toward achieving them, and "focus on new actions" by devoting several evening hours to personal time and assigning less homework. Edutopia.org/Elena Aguilar's blog
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Other News
Experts weigh in on teacher-compensation issues The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
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  Technology Trends 
What is the relationship between tech and personalized learning?
The success of student-centered personalized learning is largely dependent on technology, according to this article. The model incorporates aspects of both differentiated and individualized instruction, and requires students to have broad access to technology tools that allow them to connect with peers, learning communities, online tutors and many other resources, the writer finds. T.H.E. Journal
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Here's what you can expect in 2012 from education technology
The use of mobile phones as well as other mobile devices, including those owned by students, is expected to be an increasing trend in education technology for 2012, says education writer Audrey Watters. Other growing trends include the use of data to improve teaching and learning, and instruction based on the principles of gaming. KQED.org/Mind/Shift blog
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  Policy News 
Mass. to consider oversight of special-education collaboratives
Lawmakers in Massachusetts are set to begin consideration of a bill that would increase oversight of special-education collaboratives funded by taxpayers. Some of the collaboratives, which allow school districts to share resources for students with disabilities, have been criticized for financial mismanagement as part of an investigation by state auditors. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model)
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Colo. businesses to provide safe haven for students who are bullied
School-board officials in Pueblo, Colo., have adopted a new anti-bullying program in which students who are being bullied can seek refuge at selected local businesses. The participating businesses will display a poster to identify them to students and will be trained in how to provide a safe haven. The Pueblo Chieftain (Colo.)
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Where has No Child Left Behind succeeded and failed?
No Child Left Behind went into effect nearly 10 years ago, and among the most recent criticism is in a report released this week that described the federal education law as a "policy failure." Some observers say that the law's focus on accountability is important, even if there is too much reliance on standardized testing to measure achievement. Laura Hamilton, senior behavioral scientist at RAND Corp., says stakeholders should discuss how they might "expand the measures tested." U.S. News & World Report/High School Notes blog
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  Eye on Exceptionalities 
Respite for caregivers lowers hospitalization rate of those with autism
The provision of respite services for caregivers of children and young adults with autism may reduce hospitalizations among those with the disorder, a study shows. "In many cases, hospitalization may result as much from the stress the child's behavior places on the family as from the behavior," University of Pennsylvania researcher David Mandell and his colleagues wrote. However, the study did not find a link between various therapies and lower incidences of hospitalization. Disability Scoop
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  CEC Spotlight 
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It's not too late to register for one of CEC 2012 Convention & Expo's Preconvention Workshops, to be held on April 11. These workshops provide opportunities to explore important topics in depth and interact with experts. Register for any preconvention workshop and earn CEUs. Find out more.        
CEC 2012 early-bird deadline fast approaching
The CEC 2012 Convention & Expo -- the largest professional-development event dedicated to special and gifted education -- will be held April 11 to 14 in Denver. Attendees should register by Jan. 17 to take advantage of the early-bird discount and save up to $100 off onsite registration. Find out more and register now.        

The vitality of thought is in adventure. Ideas won't keep. Something must be done about them."
--Alfred North Whitehead, British mathematician and philosopher

 

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