[Pibe-division] An interesting brail instruction problem

[Kristen J Sims]

I have this happen fairly often, as well. Depending on the parents, I will tell them about the chance for success in college and employment but usually the child in question is very young and the parents are just begining to deal with their child's vision loss. Braille is a bad sign to them. So, I try, way before the meeting, to develop a report with them. I meet them in a non-offical manner like at a coffee shop or McDonalds to listen to their concerns without every person from the special ed department there. If this is not possible, I will bring up braille as a safety net. Why not learn braille, then he will know it even if he doesn't need it. Then once the student begins to succeed, I can say "look at how fast he can read now." With every success the parents get less nervous.  
   Our biggest buzz word is "dual media" even though we as teachers know that print is not an option it is sometimes the parents' last hope that their child will get better and they need to be allowed to mourn that loss in their own time while we get the child learning to read. The most important thing is for the parents to know that you have the student's best interest at heart. 

Kristen J. SimsTeacher of Blind StudentsOnly the educated are free. Epictetus
----- Original Message -----
From: Hyde, David W. (ESC) <david.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us>
To: 'pibe-division at nfbnet.org' <pibe-division at nfbnet.org>
Cc:
Date: Friday, November 12 2010 03:45 PM
Subject: [Pibe-division] An interesting brail instruction problem
I have a colleague who is looking for a case where the district and IEP recommend braille, and the parents refuse. The student involved has very poor vision, and is currently needing things enlarged from 36 point type. Any (1) success stories on convincing parents, and (2) case law would be helpful.

David Hyde, Professional Development Coordinator Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired 1700 W. State Street Janesville WI 53546
608-758-6152 (office)
608-751-0960 (cell)
608-758-6169 (fax)
866-284-1107 ext. 34 (toll free)
email
david.hyde at wcbvi.k12.wi.us



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