"Classroom teachers will find information on providing access to the curriculum for students who are blind or visually impaired. These teaching tips, educational strategies, accommodations, and instructional adaptations are useful in both inclusive and special education settings."
http://www.perkins.org/resources/scout/education/
Showing posts with label visual impairment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label visual impairment. Show all posts
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Adult Amblyopia
Here's an article on amblyopia in adults.
http://eyecare.ygoy.com/2010/04/12/adult-amblyopia-%E2%80%93-what-is-adult-amblyopia/
http://eyecare.ygoy.com/2010/04/12/adult-amblyopia-%E2%80%93-what-is-adult-amblyopia/
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
BIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZEEEEEEEE!!!!!
I'm in the middle of the first full week of school. Can you say "busy" boys and girls?
I'm now housed at the same school where Mr. Hebrews 13 goes to school. He is SO overjoyed about that. Of course he knows where to find me because my space is located where his class used to be. His class is now in the main building.
I could tell that with the cerebral palsy his little fingers are too weak to press the braille writer keys on the standard braille writer. The new light weight braille writers are supposed to be easier to be more touch sensitive lighter in weight and easier to load but I know what ordering one for him will be like. They are at least $700 and getting such for multi-disabled kids. They are not considered as important for such as "regular" children with visual impairments. For example, with my high school students once we were instructed to take care of ordering their books and materials first because they were readers and college-bound versus the multi-disabled children in community-based/self-contained classrooms. Needless to say, I have been on a soapbox many times on that issue. I understand that those with that attitude don't understand these children.
I showed Mr. H. the keys for the first three braille alphabets. I tested him on his knowledge of which dots make each letter and he had not forgotten any of them. In fact, I could ask him in reverse--"What letter is made with dots one and four?" He gave me the right answer every time. But on the Perkins braille writer he had to use two finger to press one key. Ms. Jessie, his child specific para, wants to work on hand strengthening exercises with him. She is so excited about how well he is reading, she wants him to be able to use the braille writer in conjunction with the Intellikeys so he can read what h has written himself.He read all of his homework. Ms. Jessie went over it with him at the teacher's instruction because his mom did not. She was so excited that she ran him over o my room to show me that he could read all of his homework.
Before I went out to any other schools, I made three more lessons with sight words based on the some of the words we worked on last year, one word he wanted to add and his name. I made cards with all the Dolch words from preprimer to third grade last year, so we will do those as well during the year. He is a little sponge and Ms. Jessie is fantastic with him. She learns new braille with him. Now if Mom keeps him in school and helps him with homework, he will be an excellent reader because he wants to be so badly.
I have seen Matt at his new high school. He's let his beard grow in full--or at least as full as it can get on a young teen. It's so funny to see him like this when I remember this squeaky voice. Looks like his mom has compromised and had a barber attempt to give it shape. He is excited that I am his teacher again. He has an excellent community-based teacher who does not mind actually working with the children and taking Matt's vision into consideration in all of their activities.
I also went to see a graduate of Mrs. Beryl's pre-K class. She and her sister are attending a new elementary school. The class they are in is for exceptional students and the ages and abilities seem so varied. Their teacher is really working with them. She has some writers and some who cannot read and one with Down's who does not talk. Her room is a leftover space that part of a converted auditorium. it is brightly decorated and word rich--which I love. She has made it into a cosy, inviting place. The airconditioner kicked off twice while I was there. She has a window unit which seems to throw the breaker of occasionally in this older model school. Of course they are down at the end of the hall. Often our kids are segregated from the "regular" classes, at the end of the hall, int the special wing or in the portable buildings.
I have been late coming home most evenings and in my after school state which is shoes off and feet up. My sister and her daughter left for Colorado so my mother is feeling the effects of empty nest syndrome. She cannot cook for one or two so we have been visiting each evening. Then I am good for nothing else but sleep after that. Thus the lack of entries here in my blog and the lack of visits to my FaceBook page.
Such a busy beginning of school. I will survive!
I'm now housed at the same school where Mr. Hebrews 13 goes to school. He is SO overjoyed about that. Of course he knows where to find me because my space is located where his class used to be. His class is now in the main building.
I could tell that with the cerebral palsy his little fingers are too weak to press the braille writer keys on the standard braille writer. The new light weight braille writers are supposed to be easier to be more touch sensitive lighter in weight and easier to load but I know what ordering one for him will be like. They are at least $700 and getting such for multi-disabled kids. They are not considered as important for such as "regular" children with visual impairments. For example, with my high school students once we were instructed to take care of ordering their books and materials first because they were readers and college-bound versus the multi-disabled children in community-based/self-contained classrooms. Needless to say, I have been on a soapbox many times on that issue. I understand that those with that attitude don't understand these children.
I showed Mr. H. the keys for the first three braille alphabets. I tested him on his knowledge of which dots make each letter and he had not forgotten any of them. In fact, I could ask him in reverse--"What letter is made with dots one and four?" He gave me the right answer every time. But on the Perkins braille writer he had to use two finger to press one key. Ms. Jessie, his child specific para, wants to work on hand strengthening exercises with him. She is so excited about how well he is reading, she wants him to be able to use the braille writer in conjunction with the Intellikeys so he can read what h has written himself.He read all of his homework. Ms. Jessie went over it with him at the teacher's instruction because his mom did not. She was so excited that she ran him over o my room to show me that he could read all of his homework.
Before I went out to any other schools, I made three more lessons with sight words based on the some of the words we worked on last year, one word he wanted to add and his name. I made cards with all the Dolch words from preprimer to third grade last year, so we will do those as well during the year. He is a little sponge and Ms. Jessie is fantastic with him. She learns new braille with him. Now if Mom keeps him in school and helps him with homework, he will be an excellent reader because he wants to be so badly.
I have seen Matt at his new high school. He's let his beard grow in full--or at least as full as it can get on a young teen. It's so funny to see him like this when I remember this squeaky voice. Looks like his mom has compromised and had a barber attempt to give it shape. He is excited that I am his teacher again. He has an excellent community-based teacher who does not mind actually working with the children and taking Matt's vision into consideration in all of their activities.
I also went to see a graduate of Mrs. Beryl's pre-K class. She and her sister are attending a new elementary school. The class they are in is for exceptional students and the ages and abilities seem so varied. Their teacher is really working with them. She has some writers and some who cannot read and one with Down's who does not talk. Her room is a leftover space that part of a converted auditorium. it is brightly decorated and word rich--which I love. She has made it into a cosy, inviting place. The airconditioner kicked off twice while I was there. She has a window unit which seems to throw the breaker of occasionally in this older model school. Of course they are down at the end of the hall. Often our kids are segregated from the "regular" classes, at the end of the hall, int the special wing or in the portable buildings.
I have been late coming home most evenings and in my after school state which is shoes off and feet up. My sister and her daughter left for Colorado so my mother is feeling the effects of empty nest syndrome. She cannot cook for one or two so we have been visiting each evening. Then I am good for nothing else but sleep after that. Thus the lack of entries here in my blog and the lack of visits to my FaceBook page.
Such a busy beginning of school. I will survive!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Bias against blind book lovers
This story was sent to you by: Ms. Kathy
--------------------
Bias against blind book lovers
--------------------
By Marc Maurer
April 14 2009
I love to read, and I've been doing it ever since I was able. My wife is also an avid reader. But my wife and I are blind, and because I lead the Baltimore-based National Federation of the Blind, we have many blind friends. And although many of us read everything we can get our hands on, we can't get our hands on very much to read.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.blind14apr14,0,2676842.story
Friday, April 10, 2009
Cheap Finds to Use with Children with V.I.
LASER TOP: This toy was at Walgreen's drug store in the sale bin It requires batteries. I thought of it as visual stimulation for low vision multi-disabled kids as it can be spun for them on their wheel chair trays. It lights up, spins and makes a sound. It has a hazardous choke warning so for children who can grab and handle it themselves I'd be certain they have an MA of 5 years and over, as it says on the package, so they will not be tempted to put any parts of it in their little mouths.
VIBRATING BALL: I've had this one for a few years, also with multi disabled children in mind. I had a child with cortical visual impairment and deafness. Pull the string and this one vibrates. Use much supervision as the string may detach. For the kids I used it with, I would pull the string for them. Some were able to let me know they wanted the action repeated by either grabbing my hand or in the case of a nonverbal child with modified signs, she would sign "again." It doesn't make a sound, though. This one is hand sized. There is a larger version of this one that runs by batteries and makes a sound as it vibrates.
TEACHING COINS: I saw these in another teacher's class and thought, Wow! I have needed something like that for my low vision kids when I was teaching money!
She was going to let me borrow hers to make copies. But in my travels I saw these at Dollar Tree in the school supplies section. I have found coin worksheets on line AND placed real coins under the CCTV for students with low vision. When you don't have access to a CCTV or can't carry several in your back pocket, these are a cool alternative. They are printed on front and back. The adult size scissors didn't show up too clearly, but I placed them in the picture to give a size reference.
I've had these laminated and I will have them brailled for low vision students who read braille
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Raul Midon Returns to Korea
Source Link
Singer/songwriter Raul Midon (For photo click HERE: )
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
American singer Raul Midon returns to Seoul for another concert, as part of ``The Beautiful Singer-Songwriter Series at the Theater'' in April.
Midon, a blind guitarist whose deep, soulful voice invites comparisons to another blind musician Stevie Wonder, impressed Korean fans when he held a concert in Seoul last year.
In an email interview with The Korea Times, Midon shares fond memories of his concert in Seoul, as well as his guest appearance on the TV music show ``Love Letter with Yoon Do-hyun.''
``The Korean fans are special because they are so open and responsive to my music,'' he said.
Midon will perform April 26, at the M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul. He promises some surprises for his upcoming concert, but declined to elaborate.
``I'll be playing songs from my previous two albums, `State of Mind' and `A World Within A World' and also previewing songs from my upcoming album. If I tell you, it wouldn't be a surprise,'' he said.
Midon attracted fans and impressed critics with his albums ``A State of Mind'' in 2005 and ``A World Within A World'' in 2007. He writes and composes his own music, often described as pop-jazz fusion.
Midon and his twin brother were born in Embudo, New Mexico, to his Argentinean father and African-American mother. Both babies became blind after being placed in an incubator without proper protection for the eyes.
At a young age, Midon learned to play the drums and guitar. He studied music under the jazz program of the University of Miami.
Midon does not think of his blindness as an obstacle to his music career, but rather as a way for people to remember him. ``I think that blindness is a way that people remember me and that's okay as long as they remember me,'' he said.
The 42-year-old singer-songwriter is currently busy writing songs and preparing to record a new album in Los Angeles. ``I'm so grateful for the fans. We're aiming to release the record internationally around September,'' Midon said.
In the past, Midon has collaborated with artists such as Wonder (who played the harmonica on Midon's track ``Expressions of Love''), Herbie Hancock, Roberto Fonseca and Jason Mraz (``Keep on Hoping'').
``I have my dreams of working with Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell. Here's hoping dreams come true,'' he said.
Aside from Midon, foreign and Korean singer-songwriters will also be holding concerts at the M Theater from April 16 to 26. ``The Beautiful Singer-Songwriter Series at the Theater'' features Rachael Yamagata, Lasse Lindh, Jang Ki-ha & Faces, Jung Jae-hyung, Zitten, Yozoh, Cho Kyu-chan, Kim Gwang-jin and Bulnabang Star Sausage Club.
Tickets for the concerts range from 44,000 won to 77,000 won. Call 02-563-7110 or visit ticket.interpark.com. Email info@privatecurve.com for English inquiries
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/03/135_41860.html
Singer/songwriter Raul Midon (For photo click HERE: )
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
American singer Raul Midon returns to Seoul for another concert, as part of ``The Beautiful Singer-Songwriter Series at the Theater'' in April.
Midon, a blind guitarist whose deep, soulful voice invites comparisons to another blind musician Stevie Wonder, impressed Korean fans when he held a concert in Seoul last year.
In an email interview with The Korea Times, Midon shares fond memories of his concert in Seoul, as well as his guest appearance on the TV music show ``Love Letter with Yoon Do-hyun.''
``The Korean fans are special because they are so open and responsive to my music,'' he said.
Midon will perform April 26, at the M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul. He promises some surprises for his upcoming concert, but declined to elaborate.
``I'll be playing songs from my previous two albums, `State of Mind' and `A World Within A World' and also previewing songs from my upcoming album. If I tell you, it wouldn't be a surprise,'' he said.
Midon attracted fans and impressed critics with his albums ``A State of Mind'' in 2005 and ``A World Within A World'' in 2007. He writes and composes his own music, often described as pop-jazz fusion.
Midon and his twin brother were born in Embudo, New Mexico, to his Argentinean father and African-American mother. Both babies became blind after being placed in an incubator without proper protection for the eyes.
At a young age, Midon learned to play the drums and guitar. He studied music under the jazz program of the University of Miami.
Midon does not think of his blindness as an obstacle to his music career, but rather as a way for people to remember him. ``I think that blindness is a way that people remember me and that's okay as long as they remember me,'' he said.
The 42-year-old singer-songwriter is currently busy writing songs and preparing to record a new album in Los Angeles. ``I'm so grateful for the fans. We're aiming to release the record internationally around September,'' Midon said.
In the past, Midon has collaborated with artists such as Wonder (who played the harmonica on Midon's track ``Expressions of Love''), Herbie Hancock, Roberto Fonseca and Jason Mraz (``Keep on Hoping'').
``I have my dreams of working with Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell. Here's hoping dreams come true,'' he said.
Aside from Midon, foreign and Korean singer-songwriters will also be holding concerts at the M Theater from April 16 to 26. ``The Beautiful Singer-Songwriter Series at the Theater'' features Rachael Yamagata, Lasse Lindh, Jang Ki-ha & Faces, Jung Jae-hyung, Zitten, Yozoh, Cho Kyu-chan, Kim Gwang-jin and Bulnabang Star Sausage Club.
Tickets for the concerts range from 44,000 won to 77,000 won. Call 02-563-7110 or visit ticket.interpark.com. Email info@privatecurve.com for English inquiries
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/03/135_41860.html
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Words of the Day Part 6
The first term was a schoolwide WOD early in the school year. The second came from a current event.Haste: Hurry; fast. "In her haste, she dropped her lunch tray.
Impromptu: (adjective) Done at the last minute without preparing. "Sarah Palin had an impromptu press conference at the airport."
Truculent: (adjective) Ready to fight or fuss. Terrance's sentence: "Christopher was my friend but now he is truculent."
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Learning Braille Through Remote Learning
Some of the relatives, friends and teachers of my students have asked about learning braille. The active instruction at this site is no longer occuring but someone teaching him/herself can find this link useful:
The photo is the hand of one of my elementary students reading the "Word Pizza." Over the printed definitions are braille labels. The student is matching the word on the clothes pin to the definition.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Getting Used to it Again
I used to be far more itinerant than I have been in the last couple of years. Now I have about six schools to visit and 20 children and their teachers to see. I like the change of scenery but it takes some getting used to again.
Last year I was headquartered at a high school and I was on consult at another for about three students with multiple disabilities in self-contained classrooms. Three of my girls at the HQ were diploma bound while one was not and the two boys were on a special tract. The high school girls were far more independent--although I was concerned with the one with Stargardt's because he would not admit to how much she could not see.
Last semester I took another teacher's class on the elementary Braille class while she was out having treatments for lung cancer. While I was doing that, I was taking chemo treatments for a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I enjoyed the kids and we had great fun exploring how much they could learn and do, however, having to leave them for a whole day and two half days each month was not easy.
Anyway, I am getting used to travelling again. I am too ADD to stick to a strict routine.
I'm also to look for and teach the other visual impairments teacher/specialists about technology particular to the visually impaired student. I've already had a disagreement with one teacher who does not think it is necessary to teach the computer keyboard to braille readers. I think she doesn't really want to be bothered because she feels she will have to learn something new. Meanwhile I have a folder of emails from former students who still contact me using the JAWS screen reader on what, boys and girls? The computer keyboard!
I started teaching the children last semester using Talking Typer and they enjoyed it. They need to get used to hearing that computer voice, for sure.
BUT, I am truly feeling blessed because, even though I'm getting used to this new schedule, I need no more chemo and my PET scan was absolutely clear. My energy is returning and my husband's nerves are better because he doesn't worry as much when I leave for work. He went to every treatment and every doctor's visit with me! I feel blessed because I was able to continue working, although it was tough some days, it was not impossible and the experience with the kids was priceless. I feel blessed to have 15 new faces to see and 5 former students that I get to see again! God is truly good!
Last year I was headquartered at a high school and I was on consult at another for about three students with multiple disabilities in self-contained classrooms. Three of my girls at the HQ were diploma bound while one was not and the two boys were on a special tract. The high school girls were far more independent--although I was concerned with the one with Stargardt's because he would not admit to how much she could not see.
Last semester I took another teacher's class on the elementary Braille class while she was out having treatments for lung cancer. While I was doing that, I was taking chemo treatments for a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I enjoyed the kids and we had great fun exploring how much they could learn and do, however, having to leave them for a whole day and two half days each month was not easy.
Anyway, I am getting used to travelling again. I am too ADD to stick to a strict routine.
I'm also to look for and teach the other visual impairments teacher/specialists about technology particular to the visually impaired student. I've already had a disagreement with one teacher who does not think it is necessary to teach the computer keyboard to braille readers. I think she doesn't really want to be bothered because she feels she will have to learn something new. Meanwhile I have a folder of emails from former students who still contact me using the JAWS screen reader on what, boys and girls? The computer keyboard!
I started teaching the children last semester using Talking Typer and they enjoyed it. They need to get used to hearing that computer voice, for sure.
BUT, I am truly feeling blessed because, even though I'm getting used to this new schedule, I need no more chemo and my PET scan was absolutely clear. My energy is returning and my husband's nerves are better because he doesn't worry as much when I leave for work. He went to every treatment and every doctor's visit with me! I feel blessed because I was able to continue working, although it was tough some days, it was not impossible and the experience with the kids was priceless. I feel blessed to have 15 new faces to see and 5 former students that I get to see again! God is truly good!
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