[Mdpobc] Introduction and Questions

[Betty and San Hui]

Hi:

My name is Betty.    Although I have been on this list serv for about a year now, I have been mostly observing.     I would like to introduce myself, and also connect with you all, as I am in need of wisdom and would like to learn from your experience. 


Our daughter Bethany is 7 years old.  She was born totally blind (with no light perception).   While she is doing quite well on self-care (such as dressing, toileting, eating, getting around, etc..), she is very delay cognitively, currently at about the level of a 3-4 year old.   We live in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, which provided excellent one-on-one services(braille, OT, PT, ESOL, O&M) for her, for which I am extremely grateful for.   The school has suggested testing for her, and the general impression from her teachers is that she probably has some level of cognitive impairment. 


She is currently attending main-stream kindergarten in a classroom with 21 sighted children.   She is struggling to learn basic abstract concepts, such as quantity, same/difference.   She is also struggling in reading and writing (learning the alphabets in Braille). 


I have concerns about her placement next year, as it is quite obvious that she is not a good fit for main-stream.    The other option I was presented was the Learning Center, which is mostly comprised of kids with behavioral or emotional challenge, in addition to cognitive delay.   I have some serious concerns about sending Bethany to the Learning Center, because of the behavioral influence.  (Bethany is very calm, and emotionally age appreciate).    


I will be visiting the Maryland School for the Blinds next week, and hoping to find a good program for her.     If any of you has similar experience, or any wisdom or suggestions on this, I would really really appreciate.    My goal is to find an academic placement for Bethany where she is reach her maximum potential.    

Thank you so much in advance for help.

Betty
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