Linda Dial, April Ghionzoli, Ali Heller EDMX 635

TEACHER TIPSHEET
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN

Teaching Students Who are Deaf-Blind

Teachers and teacher assistants in a classroom with deaf-blind students need a wide range of tools and tips in order to be successful. The following are the top tools needed to foster a meaningful literacy and communication instruction for students with deaf-blindness. 1. LARGE EASELS, LOTS OF CHART PAPER AND LARGE MARKERS

Teachers use these throughout the day for a number of writing and reading activities. Many of the teachers like to use scented markers, especially for students with severe visual impairments. 2. GOOD BOOKS FOR GROUP READING

Pick good books where there are LOTS of opportunities for 1) discussion where students can use their communication systems. 2) teaching vocabulary 3) relating concepts to students experiences. Many teachers have found that students prefer non-fiction books. Check the Center for Literacy and Disability services website for suggested books that are also appropriate for older students. www.med.unc.edu/ahs/clds. 3. SIMPLE AAC DEVICES

You do not need fancy augmentative communication devices to get started. There are many companies that make these such as Ablenet, Adaptivation, and Enabling Devices. These devices are typically used to make simple requests/needs and with some creativity can foster interactions throughout the day. Single message devices can be used for open-ended comments that can get others to talk and explain concepts during reading and writing activities. Contact: AAC Tech Connect at http://www.aactechconnect.com/ for simple devices assistance. 4. ALTERNATIVE PENCILS

In order to develop literacy skills, all students must have a way to write using the full alphabet, no matter what level of understanding they have about print. All the alternative pencils have been designed for students who are unable to hold a traditional pencil or physically manipulate a keyboard. The most popular and easy to use pencil is the Print Alphabet Flip Chart. This is an alternative pencil for students who cannot write with their hands and are learning to use switches. It doesnt require a computer and is easy to make. The guide and printable materials for this alternative pencil and 30 other pencils can be found on the Writing with Alternative Pencils CD ($35) from the Center of Literacy and Disability Studies in University of North Carolina.

5.

ASSORTED TACTAULS

Many teachers have assembled a box of tactauls to use to tactaulize a book and to create tactual symbols for students with vision impairments. They use simple things such as fun foam, yarn scraps, popsicle sticks, felt, embroidery screen, puff paint, cardboard and pieces from fake plants. Tactauls can be found at Michaels, thrift stores and around your home. 6. BRAILLE LABELER

This is a very useful tool that allows teachers to make Braille on the run. It is a handheld labeler that generates strips of braille with adhesive on the back. You do not need to know braille to use this labeler. It is also used as the students printer when they are writing the Braille Flip Chart alternative pencil. Contact the resource teacher for the visually impaired at your local school district. They should provide you with one. Or purchase one at http://www.braillebookstore.com/view.php?T=Handheld+Braille+Labeler. ($19.95) 7. SWITCHES

Switches and touch screen software designed to help kids with communication problems. They push the switch and the communication device with begin. The most popular switches are the Jelly Bean and Big Red Switch. It is helpful to get two sizes of switches to help children with varying motor skills. Check with your resource teacher for needed switches for your classroom, or contact Enabling Devices www.http://enablingdevices.com/catalog. The prices vary. Switch mounts are very important as well. 8. DEAF-BLIND MODEL CLASSROOM RESOURCES

The Department of Allied Health Sciences Center for Literacy and Disability Studies website includes information on shared reading, chart writing, alphabet activities, remnant books, partner assisted scanning, switch mounts, and downloadable templates for PowerPoint ABC books. https://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/clds/resources/deaf-blind-model-classroom-resources/ 9. TANGIBLE SYSTEMS The use of tangible systems is a method in which individuals who are deaf-blind can build communication with others. When using tangible symbols, make sure it is something that the individual can recognize. When choosing any type of assistive technology, be sure it works and is effective for the individual. 10. OTHER USEFUL WEBSITES www.deafblindresources.org/index.html http://nichcy.org/ http://www.nationaldb.org/ http://www.deafblindinfo.org/ http://www.cadbs.org/ http://www.deafblind.com/ http://www.nfadb.org/home.html