Rebecca's school amazed me!! A couple of weeks ago her VI from her school told me that she was going to a class to learn more about Ushers. I figured, she probably does a lot of school districts and this was just part of her training so I didn't think much more about it. I had asked when Rebecca first joined the district, how many other children did they have with Ushers Syndrome. They said that there was only 1 other child in high school, so I thought most of the research on how to help Rebecca would need to fall onto me.
Yesterday I went to the school and talked to her deaf ed teacher briefly who said that she also went to this class on Ushers Syndrome (gasp!). She said that one of the things that she is trying to get implemented (another gasp!) immediately was some blue film that can be put over worksheets, books & even the whiteboard to help Rebecca see it better. It makes the black words turn white and the background blue. Has anyone ever heard of this? I did a search on the internet, but I did not find it anywhere.
I am so impressed with Rebecca's school taking the initiative to find out ways to help her learn better. The only items that we had implemented in her ARD were things like close to the board and the interpreter, things need to be put directly in front of her since she has no perpherial vision, speech & VI, etc. I would like to get this mysterious blue film for around the house as well, so when we are reading together I can use it so that she can read with me.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
5 comments:
I have heard of the blue film. But, what my daughter's vision teacher did was test many different color combinations to see which one worked best. It could be white letters on black or blue background, or black letters on a white background, or as in my daughter's case, black letters on a yellow background.
I would suggest trying many different combinations to see which your daughter prefers.
You should contact the Outreach department at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. They are a nationally-known program, made up of great folks who really know their stuff - several of their staff of about 30 have expertise in Ushers and deafblind education issues. They work directly with families and their local school district staff, and provide invaluable information and consultation. All free of charge to families.
http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/
They also lead the Texas Deafblind Project, provide workshops and distance education classes for families and professionals, and publish a quarterly newsletter.
I don't think you realize how unique you are as a parent of a deaf-blind child. I work with young deaf children, and my "best" parent has gone so far as to learn a few signs and works one-on-one with her daughter at home. None of them have taken the time to do some research or ask questions about best accommodations, not only at school, but at home as well. You are truly amazing, and I wish all parents were like you.
I've been catching up on your blog. Sorry it's been a while. The blue film is news to me. Is that like black lighting? Maybe not. Anyway, I am really impressed with how you are adapting to Rebecca's life, too. Learning signs, looking out for her best interests at home, at school. and with the medical profession. You are teaching her to be an advocate as well. I am slowly coming out of the proverbial closet.
I have heard of the blue film, but no experience with it. We did find recently, green paper with darkened black print works for my son in most cases. But it took a few tries to find this.
Cynthia
Post a Comment