[blindkid] Blind/Autistic child school placement/services

[Merry-Noel Chamberlain]

Debi,
I teach at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind.  We use sign language for students who are both deaf and blind, non verbal, have other health conditions, and autistic.  We use tactual sign where we sign in the students hand.  We have 'interveners' who work one-on-one with some students. These individuals are more than interpreters, they work with the students and explain things to the student.  They also voice, if the student has any type of hearing.  If I were you, there would be no doubt about it - I would be sure to include sign language with voice with my child, grandchild, student to encourage communicaiton.   

Merry-Noel Chamberlain,
Orientation & Mobility
Teacher of Students w/ Visual Impairments
NOPBC Board Member