[blindkid] Transition to Kindergarten

Sat Apr 30 21:16:40 UTC 2011

I haven't been following this thread but as far as a screen reader, while JAWS may be more expensive than what is needed, often-- especially for small kids, it can be used for free in "demo mode". I always forget how long it will go-- seems like 40 or 50 minutes, but it is generally long enough for the length of lessons kids usually have at a young age.

There certainly is some software that is self-voicing, but it is good to have a screen reader available as well if possible. I like the idea of getting the kids familiar with JAWS from an early age as they are likely to be using it for a very long time. The retail package costs $900 or $1000, but the free demo is the exact same software, only with a time expiration. To reset the clock you have to reboot the machine.

This is also great to know about if they tell you they have "no funds for a screen reader". It can be downloaded for free or Freedom Scientific also distributes demo CD's with this on it.

Incidentally, if you want to buy it after the demo is already loaded, you don't even install the software again, you just enter an activation "key". At least how it has worked for many years. I have not run the "demo" version in a year or more.

Richard

On Apr 30, 2011, at 3:43 PM, Aaron Cannon wrote:

> Hi.
> 
> Some other thoughts from my own daughters Kindergarten experience (she
> is sighted, I am blind):
> 
> My daughter's class had the opportunity to use computers for short
> periods throughout the year, and were she blind, I would likely ask
> that she also be allowed to use a computer with some adaptive tech.  I
> realize that it might be a little for a full-blown screen reader, but
> there are, I believe, some self-voicing software titles aimed at that
> age group.
> 
> I would also make sure the IEP included cane travel instruction.  A
> lot of cane travel instruction.
> 
> That's all that occurs to me that hasn't already been mentioned.
> 
> Good luck, and don't settle for anything less than everything you need.
> 
> Aaron
> 
> On 4/29/11, Penny Duffy <pennyduffy at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Ok I don't think i will be that much help but I will try. I had a  sighted
>> kindergartener who started first grade blind.
>> 
>> I know that it is very important not to forget every child is different and
>> thats with the individual part comes into play with an IEP.  No one knows
>> your child like you do.
>> 
>> There should be reading goals in the IEP including math. My daughter (who is
>> in first grade and just learned braille)  had both in her IEP.  Kindergarten
>> kids have goals they should be at by the end of the year and that should be
>> your son's goal.  The IEP is very details about the level of of Braille for
>> reading and the Nemeth for math she should be in a year. (some of which I
>> still dont' understand LOL)
>> 
>> My daughter doesn't really uses any technology (there is a clause in the IEP
>> to use as needed like they added a text to speech reader for the computer
>> when she need it) She will be introduced a note taker in about 3rd grade
>> I believe (maybe a little older) She has a Perkins Braille at both home and
>> at school.  Every child is different in what they need. Those items that the
>> child needs and the learning medium should be covered in the functional
>> visual assessment. Thats a very important thing to have
>> 
>> How often will the child see the TVI.. This seems to be different for every
>> single child.  My daughter sees her 1 hour a day 5x a week.
>> 
>> Don't forget Orientation and Mobility goals.  Its an area that gets
>> forgotten sometime depending on how much experience the school district has
>> with visually impaired students. My daughter sees her O & M once a week and
>> uses a cane. She doesn't always need it but O & M is important.
>> 
>> Will he need an aid to help convert all material and give him any extra help
>> he may need.  A child in kindergarten should already be learning some
>> independence its really important they don't over help but its also very
>> important that all the materials are  the right format for him.  Abby's aid
>> spend half her time not even in the room with her but converting and
>> brailling papers and books.
>> 
>> Its reasonable to expect that everything everyone else does in the classroom
>> your child is able to do some how.  Even fluff work.
>> 
>> Oh I had them add outreach programs to the IEP. We live pretty close to
>> Perkins School and they have these great programs during weekends look and
>> see if the local schools for the blind has something like that and see
>> if the school district will pay for them.
>> 
>> Its always  better to try and ask then not ask at all. Don't lower your
>> expectations. Don't let the school lower them ether.
>> 
>> Thats all I have to to share :)  there are some wonderful resources for IEPs
>> I don't know where to direct you.  We just did our IEP in November and I was
>> pretty clueless.
>> --
>> --Penny
>> ----------
>> Adventures with Abby - visionfora.blogspot.com
>> 
>> On Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 11:50 AM, Erin Teply <eteply at cfl.rr.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> I am preparing for our IEP roll-up meeting as my son Max will be starting
>>> kindergarten next year.  He is my first child to attend public school, so
>>> the process is new to me and I have so many questions around how they
>>> place
>>> kids in the classroom, what they consider, etc.   I also have questions as
>>> to what 'should be' on his IEP as educational goals aren't necessarily
>>> going
>>> to be on as he will have the same goals as everyone else.  I've got
>>> questions on what technology should be introduced, if any, along with his
>>> Perkins Brailler.  Because I feel like there is so much I don't know, I am
>>> sending a letter to the school prior to the meeting to make sure all my
>>> questions are addressed.
>>> 
>>> If anyone has a child close in age or can remember what they did prior to
>>> kindergarten with respect to placement, IEP goals, technology and anything
>>> else, please share with me what you can.
>>> 
>>> Thanks so much,
>>> Erin Teply
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> 
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