[blindkid] help for blind/autistic 14 yr old

Thu Oct 20 10:18:00 UTC 2011

We were able to take materials home for the summer vacation. We recognized, as did our school that our blind/autistic daughter (also 14) had trouble with math. So, we tried to work on it some at home during break. ISBVI has been very accommodating. Another outlet I might suggest to you is Hadley Institute for the Blind. They have courses for Parents that your son may be able to use. You could check. I used them to learn grade 1 braille. We got a computer from the Texas Institute for the Blind for $100 that had everything including a NVDA screen reader. ISBVI does have experience with Blind/Autistic students. Also, you may want to contact RISE (Franklin Township) Indiana, they have been very helpful for my daughter. I think that ISBVI and RISE would offer assistance for you in your area or if you would consider moving, they also could offer some help with that as well. 

Steven L. Craig

--- On Wed, 10/19/11, Tom and Deb OConnor <toc6642 at charter.net> wrote:

From: Tom and Deb OConnor <toc6642 at charter.net>
Subject: Re: [blindkid] help for blind/autistic 14 yr old
To: "NFBnet Blind Kid Mailing List, (for parents of blind children)" <blindkid at nfbnet.org>
Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2011, 9:08 PM

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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>> 
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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
> _______________________________________________
> blindkid mailing list
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