[blindkid] help for blind/autistic 14 yr old

[Tom and Deb OConnor]

He is in mainstream school - things are becoming difficult.  He is in 
8th grade - he just for the first time, has a perkins brailler at home - 
that came on Oct.12.  TOday for the first time - they  downloaded a NVDA 
screen reading program for him to use at home.  He has never used his 
braillenoter at home yet.  She wanted to set that up with computer today 
, but wrong adapter - so waiting about a week or so for that.  This year 
is starting off poorly and difficult communication.  I have spoken to to 
people on the state level - put I don't want to go that route if I don't 
have too - I truly want to find a different setting for him with a 
experienced autism teacher and vision teacher.  His vision teacher has 
done a pretty good job with skills when I look at IEP - but why no 
equipment at home???  Dumb me did not even ask as I assumed this was how 
they did it in Mn.  When I started asking for homework or practice 
material - they could not comprehend what I wanted.  Then they email me 
district policy rules on homework.  I assumed that they would expect him 
to practice skills at home - that was a wrong assumption. I am learning 
a lot and have a better understanding of IEP etc.  Long learning process 
and mistakes on my part made on this journey.

Tom & Debbie O'Connor
toc6642 at charter.net


On Wed, Oct 19, 2011 at 9:10 AM, Carol Castellano wrote:

> Is he in school now?  What is his placement and how are things going?
> Carol
>
> At 09:17 AM 10/19/2011, you wrote:
>> Carol - thanks for info.  I have heard it is good too, but have not 
>> read it yet.  I am going to try to call them to talk.  We are having 
>> a very, very hard time even finding a place for him and someone who 
>> would want to teach him.  We are willing to pay a teacher if need be 
>> - maybe summer months for tutoring help.  He is easy to work with and 
>> very funny.  He is so willing to learn and hungry to understand, he 
>> is not your usual autistic kid, but some tendencies are certainly 
>> there. - please keep us in mind if you should hear of someone or some 
>> place. Moving would be hard in this economy, trying to sell home etc 
>> - but maybe if there is someone out there I could find a place to 
>> stay with my Son, through the church or something. I am just 
>> brainstorming here.  WE are in Mn.  I have been in touch with Blind 
>> Inc. in Mpls mn - but they do not know of any vision teachers with 
>> autism exp.  Really - all they might need is the desire to help this 
>> child and read that book you referenced!  That alone would be a great 
>> start for him.
>>
>> Thanks again
>>
>> Tom & Debbie O'Connor
>> toc6642 at charter.net
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Oct 16, 2011 at 7:56 PM, Carol Castellano wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Tom & Debbie,
>>>
>>> You may already have seen this, but Jay Gense and Marilyn Gense 
>>> wrote a book called
>>>
>>> Autism Spectrum Disorders and Visual Impairment:
>>>
>>>
>>> Meeting Students' Learning Needs.  I have not read it myself so 
>>> cannot say if it is a good one, but you might want to take a look if 
>>> you haven't already.  it's available here:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> 
>>> <http://www.afb.org/store/product.asp?sku=978-0-89128-880-0&mscssid=L263WDT9Q2K89JA4G3SLVPMVP34J7PT2>http://www.afb.org/store/product.asp?sku=978-0-89128-880-0&mscssid=L263WDT9Q2K89JA4G3SLVPMVP34J7PT2
>>> The Gense's teach in Oregon.  Perhaps that would be a good place to 
>>> move to :-).
>>>
>>> I wish you good luck in your search.
>>>
>>> Carol
>>>
>>> Carol Castellano
>>> Director of Programs
>>> National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
>>> 973-377-0976
>>> carol_castellano at verizon.net
>>> www.nopbc.org
>>>
>>> At 05:46 PM 10/14/2011, you wrote:
>>>
>>>> We are seeking a school or person to help educate our very smart 
>>>> and funny blind/autistic 14 yr old son.  We live in elk river mn. 
>>>> Willing to drive or possible relocate.  Fairbault school for blind 
>>>> not an option for us.  Please email us with resources or help. 
>>>> Thank you
>>>>
>>>> Tom & Debbie O'Connor
>>>> toc6642 at charter.net
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>
> Carol Castellano
> Director of Programs
> National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
> 973-377-0976
> carol_castellano at verizon.net
> www.nopbc.org
> _______________________________________________
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