[blindkid] More than just blindness

Penny Duffy pennyduffy at gmail.com
Wed Jul 9 18:48:50 UTC 2014


Lelena,

I read through what you said. If i missed anything please let me know.
 Many of the parents i assist in my state experiance more than one
disability not just blindness.  I believe strongly that these children
heavily discriminated against in educational settings.  Very few educators
feel a child with more than one disability including blindness should be
taught braille at all which is extremely wrong considering they would never
say the same thing about  a child with non blindness related disabilities.
 Its an understanding that literacy is important to all.

The NOPBC always works hard at trying to build program that will benefit
all kinds of different kids and different learners. I hope you never feel
we are are not trying to serve your needs.

Below is the NOPBC works shops from this years conference.  there was two
workshops which were geared directly for parents of children with multiple
disabilities.   I would challenge that ALL the rest of the workshops would
benefit parents with children with multiple disabilities. also. including
the college one.  The NOPBC programming is primarily our parent conference
and we sponsor Future Reflections which regularly  feature stores about all
kids of different kids.

 Also if you are talking about NFB direct programming like the great STEM
programs I am sure Natalie Shaheen, Director of Education at the NFB
Jernigan Institute would love to hear some ideas.  I happen to know this
area is VERY important to her.
Let me know if I can be have anymore help.  I am very passionate in this
area.
-Penny Duffy

--

Independence in the Classroom
Tools, tips, and techniques for setting up the classroom and training the
student for independent functioning. Instructor: Jackie Anderson, Teacher
of Blind Students

Independent Movement & Travel for Children with Additional Disabilities
Working toward maximum independence and self-determination for the child
with additional disabilities. Instructor: Denise Mackenstadt, NOMC

Low Vision Toolbox
Useful items for low vision students and how to determine the most
efficient method for the task. Instructor: TBA

First Steps
Exploration and independent movement and travel in early childhood.
Instructor: Mary Jo Hartle, NOMC, Teacher of Blind Students

Accessible Technology
Using accessible technology for meaningful participation in school, at
home, and in the community. Instructor: Eric Guillory, Director, Youth
Services, LA Center for the Blind

Independence Skills at Home & in the Community
Teaching and supporting the development of independence skills for full
participation in home and community life. Instructor: Mary Jo Hartle, NOMC,
TBS

Hands Off!
Honoring the child's right to personal space and control over his/her body.
Instructor: Carlton Walker, Teacher of Blind Students, President, NOPBC

Independent Movement & Travel for the School-Age Student
High expectations, real-life goals, and how to achieve them in the area of
independent movement and travel. Instructor: TBA

Tactile Graphics—The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
The basics of creating a good tactile graphic that will really work for the
blind child. Instructor: Carol Castellano, Director of Programs, NOPBC

I Get Around
Getting around independently when you do not drive. Instructors: Pam Allen,
Director, LA Center for the Blind; Roland Allen, NOMC

Low Vision Technology
>From low tech to high tech, learn about the many options for the low vision
student. Instructor: Janet Bernhardt, Owner, Low Vision, Etc.

Saying It My Way
Encouraging communication, learning, and play in children with
communication needs. Instructor: Natalie Shaheen, Director of Education,
NFB Jernigan Institute

Social Skills for the School-Age Child
Encouraging appropriate social interaction and play. Instructor: Sheena
Manuel, Outreach Specialist, Professional Development and Research
Institute on Blindness

How to Set Up a Saturday School
Empowering families to learn and teach the skills of independence.
Instructor: Jackie Anderson, Teacher of Blind Students

College Checklist: Is Your Blind Child Ready? Are YOU Ready?
Preparing for heading off to college—what parents and students need to
know, with a special visit from one of "the roommates from hell."
Instructors: Kim Cunningham, second vice president, NOPBC; Kayleigh Joiner,
Student; Arielle Silverman, Fellow, University of WA; Debbie Kent Stein,
Editor, Future Reflections

Unified English Braille (UEB)
It's new. It's coming. What is it, how will the transition be made, and
what will it mean to your child? Instructor: Casey Robertson, Teacher of
Blind Students

IEP Basics for Parents of Blind/VI Students
The sections of the IEP, essential assessments, how assessment information
is used, how to be an active and effective participant. Instructor: Carlton
Walker, Attorney, Teacher of Blind Students

IEP Development and Legal Process Overview
Do's & Don'ts for the IEP meeting; preparing for possible mediation, due
process, appeal, etc; overview of the legal process; how to prepare for a
due process hearing so you don't have to have one! Instructor: Carlton
Walker, Attorney, Teacher of Blind Students


Spanish Language Session
This session will cover a range of subjects of interest to parents of blind
children. Instructor: Conchita Hernandez, Special Educator


On Mon, Jun 30, 2014 at 10:19 AM, Lalena Fayre via blindkid <
blindkid at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> As I read through my latest issue of Future Reflections, I was struck with
> a further sense of isolation. The same holds true when I read this listserv
> and review the agenda of the upcoming national conference.
>
> My son is totally blind with multiple other disabilities - nonverbal and
> global developmental delays that impact every area. I'm fortunate to have a
> good foundation and understanding of blindness education. But when you add
> the other issues to the blindness, one is struck with how much blindness
> complicates things. For example, typical adaptive communication devices are
> vision based. Another, pre-Braille work is important but after 3 years of
> it and no significant progress made, you are forced to deal with functional
> skill development which the therapist don't know how to do with a blind
> child, let allow a blind cognitively delayed child.
>
> I turn to the NFB for support and resources, yet publications are full of
> typically developed children who happen to be blind. I call my local
> organizations here in the bay area (which I know are inline with NFB
> philosophy) looking for social opportunities for my son, but he can't
> participate because of his developmental delays.
>
> At the end of the day I'm left wondering......am I the only parent of a
> child with multiple disabilities, developmental delays, AND blindness? Are
> the majority of blind child typically developed? And where do I turn for a
> network of parents who may understand?
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