I've posted this here for my students with albinism:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcOIEVFo0Mo
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Counting to Five with the Students in SP (part 2)
I have four students in Mrs. East's class for children with severe and profound developmental disabilities. Two of them have only light perception and two are cortically visually impaired (CVI).
Mrs. East's learning task this year concentrates on counting to five. She wants the children who can talk to try to say the numbers and the children who can use their hands to be able to "tap count" on the table while she counts aloud. She also wants them exposed to the numeral. Earlier I made double vision flash cards with the numbers 1 to five in large print, braille, raised lines. I used neon colors because of the cortical blindness.
My intent here is to make a counting box in which the children will be able to drop five objects inside and hear them hit the bottom of box. I wanted to use a coffee can because they make the most noise but I became concerned with using spray paint to cover the writing on the can. Instead I found more jingle bells and some inexpensive food storage containers. I am thinking I will sew each bell into a cloth pocket so they will be easier to pick up and hold and pose less of a choking hazard.
On each side of the container is the number five represented in different ways. I used neon green duct tape to make a print numeral five on one side. Doll crafting wiggle eyes were used on another side to make a large braille numeral five. On another side I used five neon orange labeling dots.
I also found some more of those little light-up squishy toys that can be used for another class.
All of the things pictured can be found at WalMart. The colored dot labels and the container can be found at both WalMart and Dollar General.
Later, I will post how the jingle bells came out.
I have been trying to work on a Classroom Suites activity that is conducive to switch use and a video to paste on TeacherTube, however, with no desk I have to go to another site, at the AT department, where the program is installed to do that. Lately when I get to go there it's to use their computers for paper work. I'm determined to complete a CRS activity before February.
Until next time, keep praying for my kids and for me and I'll keep praying for all of you and yours!
~K
Mrs. East's learning task this year concentrates on counting to five. She wants the children who can talk to try to say the numbers and the children who can use their hands to be able to "tap count" on the table while she counts aloud. She also wants them exposed to the numeral. Earlier I made double vision flash cards with the numbers 1 to five in large print, braille, raised lines. I used neon colors because of the cortical blindness.
On each side of the container is the number five represented in different ways. I used neon green duct tape to make a print numeral five on one side. Doll crafting wiggle eyes were used on another side to make a large braille numeral five. On another side I used five neon orange labeling dots.
I also found some more of those little light-up squishy toys that can be used for another class.
All of the things pictured can be found at WalMart. The colored dot labels and the container can be found at both WalMart and Dollar General.
Later, I will post how the jingle bells came out.
I have been trying to work on a Classroom Suites activity that is conducive to switch use and a video to paste on TeacherTube, however, with no desk I have to go to another site, at the AT department, where the program is installed to do that. Lately when I get to go there it's to use their computers for paper work. I'm determined to complete a CRS activity before February.
Until next time, keep praying for my kids and for me and I'll keep praying for all of you and yours!
~K
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Prosopagnosia Flashcards
Like dyslexia, prosopagnosia is a perception problem rather than an actual vision issue
Case studies of prosopagnosia flashcards | Quizlet
Vocabulary words for Case studies of prosopagnosia. Includes ...
quizlet.com/.../case-studies-of-prosopagnosia-flash-cards/
Case studies of prosopagnosia flashcards | Quizlet
Vocabulary words for Case studies of prosopagnosia. Includes ...
quizlet.com/.../case-studies-of-prosopagnosia-flash-cards/
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
In Tanzania, Albinos Face Death and Persecution
 | In Tanzania, Albinos Face Death and Persecution
Source: atlantablackstar.com
Tanzania is a country with a much higher percentage of albinos than the rest of the world, and it's also a place where albinos face serious danger because
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Club for DeafBlind to Start Up
Kathy stopped by Essex County Standard website and suggested that you visit the following URL:
http://www.essexcountystandard.co.uk/news/localnews/10075200.Heybridge__Deafblind_club_to_start_up/?ref=erec
They added:
Kind regards
Essex County Standard Team.
Deafblind Community Gets Connected
Visual Impairments Specialist Scotlandville Magnet High School of Excellence http://lee.ebrschools.org/kathynicholslee
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
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Visual Impairments Specialist Scotlandville Magnet High School of Excellence http://lee.ebrschools.org/kathynicholslee
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
APH Guidelines for Print Document Design
http://www.aph.org/edresearch/lpguide.htm
J. Elaine Kitchel
Low Vision Project Leader
American Printing House for the Blind
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) believes guidelines for print documents should be brought to a standard of optimal usability for persons with low vision. The standards should be based on fundamental principles gleaned from research that originated from the study of the impact of print characteristics on readers of print products. This research also includes existing industry standards, where they apply.
With the advent of word processing, document design has become an intrinsic part of writing. Writers for APH encounter a wide array of new printing options. The knowledgeable use of these options helps the writer gain an advantage because readers of APH materials have become accustomed to very well-designed documents. For the writer of documents at APH, it has become an imperative to be knowledgeable about typography and design.
It is impossible to teach the writer everything he/she should know in a brief primer, but here are the essentials:
Although serif typefaces often work well in headings and personal stationery, they can be difficult to read in continuous text. Among the better san-serifed typefaces are APHont, Antique Olive, Tahoma, Verdana, and Helvetica.
The minimum size of any typeface to be used on APH documents is 12 points. Most large
print is 18 points.
APH encourages its writers to:
White space is especially important on forms. Lots of horizontal lines, or grids with horizontal and vertical lines can be very difficult for some people with visual impairments to follow across the page. These difficulties can be minimized through the use of pastel, colored background for every alternate line. Example below:
Crowded text detracts from readability and usability because
contrast is limited by too much black text. In studies, persons with
normal vision who filled-out crowded forms often lost focus before they
reached the end of the task. Persons with vision impairments struggled
more than their typically-sighted peers with forms and text.
See more guidelines at http://www.aph.org/edresearch/lpguide.htm
These are some great guidelines to remember for the classroom as well. I'm printing a few here and the rest can be found at the link provided above. For some of my babies with learning disabilities who are in resource or special classes I suggest using Comic Sans font as it's like the teacher's handwriting. ~K
J. Elaine Kitchel
Low Vision Project Leader
American Printing House for the Blind
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) believes guidelines for print documents should be brought to a standard of optimal usability for persons with low vision. The standards should be based on fundamental principles gleaned from research that originated from the study of the impact of print characteristics on readers of print products. This research also includes existing industry standards, where they apply.
With the advent of word processing, document design has become an intrinsic part of writing. Writers for APH encounter a wide array of new printing options. The knowledgeable use of these options helps the writer gain an advantage because readers of APH materials have become accustomed to very well-designed documents. For the writer of documents at APH, it has become an imperative to be knowledgeable about typography and design.
It is impossible to teach the writer everything he/she should know in a brief primer, but here are the essentials:
A. Use a Readable Typeface/Font
For text, a readable typeface means a sans-serif (/san-ser-if/) typeface (or font) made up of mainly straight lines. A serif is a short stroke that projects from the ends of the main strokes that make up a character. These are not desirable for use in a book to be read by persons of all ages and/or persons with visual impairments.Although serif typefaces often work well in headings and personal stationery, they can be difficult to read in continuous text. Among the better san-serifed typefaces are APHont, Antique Olive, Tahoma, Verdana, and Helvetica.
The minimum size of any typeface to be used on APH documents is 12 points. Most large
print is 18 points.
- 12 pt. = regular print
- 14-16 pt. = "enlarged" print (not considered large print)
- 18 and larger = large print
- 18 and larger, with other formatting changes = enhanced print
- Note: Students who need print 28 points or larger should probably be considered as candidates for Braille education.
- The upper case "I" and Roman Numeral I, the numeral 1, and the lower case l, should all look different from one another.
- The font should be wide-bodied with space between each letter. Letters which have a bubble inside them, such as o, d, g, and others should have plenty of space inside the bubble.
- Punctuation should be rounded, large and very visible.
- For these reasons APHont was developed and is suggested as a font that meets all necessary guidelines.
- Font strokes should be solid and without gaps in them.
B. Use White Space
Ample white space makes a page more readable and useful because it provides contrast to the print and creates luminance around the text. The primary ways to create white space on the page are to use generous margins, e.g., margins of at least one inch for letters and other business documents. Another way to provide white space is to provide ample spacing, leading and kerning to text.APH encourages its writers to:
- Indent 1 inch at margins
- Justify left margin, unjustify right margin
- Use a wide, san-serif font for ample kerning
- Space 1.25 between lines, especially on forms where underscores and boxes are used to provide space for writing
- Double space (30-34 pt) between paragraphs or other bodies of text
- Use block paragraph style, no indents
White space is especially important on forms. Lots of horizontal lines, or grids with horizontal and vertical lines can be very difficult for some people with visual impairments to follow across the page. These difficulties can be minimized through the use of pastel, colored background for every alternate line. Example below:
| State | Year | Auto Sales | Home Sales | Boat Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2010 | 309,436 | 99,307 | 27,397 |
| Delaware | 2010 | 214,556 | 78,477 | 39,765 |
| Virginia | 2010 | 349, 887 | 125,095 | 33,482 |
| Washington | 2009 | 272,299 | 69,433 | 30,442 |
See more guidelines at http://www.aph.org/edresearch/lpguide.htm
First Grade Frenzy
I found this delightful web site for teachers and home schoolers. It's full of free activities and methods for teaching first graders. There are cute crafts there.
Check out these sound cards--just great for our large print readers.
http://www.firstgradefrenzy.com/2011/11/sound-chart-posters-oh-me-oh-my-part-two/
My attention came to this from Pinterest, where I also post.
Have fun!
Check out these sound cards--just great for our large print readers.
http://www.firstgradefrenzy.com/2011/11/sound-chart-posters-oh-me-oh-my-part-two/
My attention came to this from Pinterest, where I also post.
Have fun!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Teen Describes Himself as Lucky to Have Disabled Sister
LIKE most big brothers, Sean Millett teases his little sister,
Ruth.
She clearly adores him, though, tearing in from school to fling
herself on top of him. He responds by swinging her up in the air and tickling
her, with much giggling and shrieks of glee.
The age difference between them might always have meant that Sean,
18, would feel responsible for nine-year-old Ruth, but there is no doubt he
feels particularly protective of her. She has Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS)....
Read the rest of this article here:
Bank Staff Co-ordinator - Deafblind Charity
Bank Staff Co-ordinator - Deafblind Charity: Are you a Bank Staff Co-ordinator with experience of supervising in a service for disabled people? If so our client, a leading deafblind charity would like to hear from you. Apply Now!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Enter Our Essay Contest
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Visual Impairments Specialist Scotlandville Magnet High School of Excellence http://lee.ebrschools.org/kathynicholslee
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
http://www.kathyskids.org
http://teacherweb.com/LA/RobertELeeHigh/MrsMichael/t.aspx
http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com
Key Dyscalculia Resources
Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android |
From: The National Center for Learning Disabilities <ncld@ncld.org>;
To: mskathy
Subject: Key Dyscalculia Resources
Sent: Tue, Nov 13, 2012 8:09:07 PM
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BBC Story: Sensory room hope for Amelia
Batten's is a horrible disease. I've had about five students with this condition over the years. I seem to find many articles about children with it from the UK.
This story is about a grandmom raising money and awareness about Batten's Disease.
~K ** Sensory room hope for Amelia **
A Nottinghamshire grandmother is raising money for a "sensory room" for her three-year-old granddaughter, who is not expected to live beyond her eighth birthday
< http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-20294114 >
** BBC Daily E-mail **
Choose the news and sport headlines you want - when you want them, all
in one daily e-mail
< http://www.bbc.co.uk/email >
Oskars' first Toy: Video
I didn't know whether to post this on Bob's blog or mine. This is about Oskar the blind kitten and his first toy. He likes the same kind of ball I used to have when I had a class of preschool visually impaired kids! This video will bring a smile to your face. If it doesn't--something's wrong with you!
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/friskies-awards-oskar-first-toys-cat-video-180132915.html
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/friskies-awards-oskar-first-toys-cat-video-180132915.html
Arthur's Lessons in communication
Arthur (from PBS) talks to kids about how children who are visually and hearing impaired communicate. This one is great for the classroom! The lesson plan is already done for you!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Dayglo counting cards for my severe profound kids...
Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Kathy
To: Ms. Kathy's KidsFacebook
Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2012 2:48 PM
Subject: [Ms. Kathy's Kids] Dayglo counting cards for my severe profound kids...
From: Kathy
To: Ms. Kathy's KidsFacebook
Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2012 2:48 PM
Subject: [Ms. Kathy's Kids] Dayglo counting cards for my severe profound kids...
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Dayglo counting cards for my severe profound kids...
Ms. Kathy's Kids Blog: http://mskathyskids.blogspot.com/
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Kathy
To: Ms. Kathy's KidsFacebook
Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2012 2:48 PM
Subject: [Ms. Kathy's Kids] Dayglo counting cards for my severe profound kids...
From: Kathy
To: Ms. Kathy's KidsFacebook
Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2012 2:48 PM
Subject: [Ms. Kathy's Kids] Dayglo counting cards for my severe profound kids...
| ||||||||||||
mskathy's photo on Instagram via Instagrille
http://inst.ag/p/QswgzJj2yy/
Bob as a far away spot in the yard.
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This message was sent by mskathy from Instagrille, the Instagram app made for your computer: http://inst.ag/.
Bob as a far away spot in the yard.
---
This message was sent by mskathy from Instagrille, the Instagram app made for your computer: http://inst.ag/.
A soldier died today
Got this from Rev. Bill today
   Remembrance Day 11th November
A soldier died today
Written by A Lawrence Vaincourt
He was getting old and paunchy,
and his hair was falling fast
as he sat around the legion,
telling stories of their past.
Of war that he once fought in
and the deeds that he had done.
In his exploits with his buddies,
they were heroes, everyone!
And tho sometimes to his neighbours,
his tales became a joke.
All his buddies listened quietly,
for they knew of where he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer,
for ole' Bob has passed away,
and the world's a little poorer
for a soldier died today!
He won't be mourned by many,
just his children and his wife
for he lived an ordinary,
very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family
going quietly on his way.
And the world won't note his passing,
'tho a soldier died today!
When politicians leave this earth,
their bodies lie in state.
While thousands note their passing
and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life story,
from the time that they were young.
But the passing of a soldier
goes unnoticed and unsung.
Is it the greatest contribution
to the welfare of our land,
some jerk who breaks his promise
and con's his fellow man.,
Or the ordinary fellow,
who in times of war and strife,
goes off to serve his country
and offers up his life.
The politicians stipend
and the style in which he lives,
are often disproportionate
to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier
who offered up his all.
Is paid with a medal,
and perhaps a pension, small.
it is not the politicians
with their compromise and ploys
who won for us our freedom
that our country now enjoys,
Should you find yourself in danger,
with your enemies at hand,
would you really want some cop-out
with his ever waffling stand?
Of would you want a soldier,
his home, his country, his kin.
Just a common soldier
who would fight until the end.
He was just a common soldier
and his ranks are growing thin.
But his presence should remind us
we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
we find the soldier's part
is to clean up all the troubles
that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honour
while he's here to hear the praise,
then at least let's give him homage
at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline, that the paper might say.
" OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SOLDIER DIED TODAY!"
( I make no apologies for the lack of pictures
as this poem should stand alone)
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