[blindkid] Middle School PE class

[Carlton Anne Cook Walker]

Julie,

Regarding the lock, in addition to braille combination locks, there is
another kind of combination lock that might meet your daughter's fine motor
needs.  The lock to which I refer is the Speed Dial by MasterLock.  It is
sold by the NFB Independence Market as well as major retailers, including
Target, WalMart, Staples, Lowe's and Home Depot.  Here is the product
description:
Product Features:

   - World’s first combination lock that opens on up/down/left/right
   directional movements
   - Patented technology is faster, easier and more secure than a standard
   combination lock
   - Maximum security with anti-shim technology
   - Combination can be reset to any number of movements in any sequence
   - 2" (51mm) wide metal body can be opened one-handed without looking for
   ease of use
   - Matching passcode indicators (letters, numbers, colors, shapes,
   symbols) are included for added customization – simple apply over arrows
   - Hardened steel shackle for increased bolt cutter protection
   - Each package contains one lock


Also, in addition to its ease of use and accessibility for blind students,
note that this is an attractive and well-received by same-age peers.  In
fact, in many of the schools in which I work, the Speed Dial is a status
symbol for the teens.  My blind students with and with cerebral palsy and
other fine motor issues have had success with this product (though not all
students will).  Nevertheless, it is an option I encourage you to explore,
 Your daughter can even try out the movements at the store to determine if
she can independently operate the device.  Additionally, as an educator, I
love that the four directions of the lock serve as a great way to reinforce
cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and/or clock directions (12
o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock).


Regarding dressing out for PE, in my experience changing clothes is
typically required. However, your daughter has adaptive PE, and that APE
should be designed to meet her individual needs.  If low muscle tone
inhibits her ability to dress independently, that documented need could
certainly support a modification in a "dressing out" requirement.  Also,
such a need also supports specially-designed instruction in physical
therapy to build muscle tone and/or other instruction to develop
alternative techniques in order to allow your daughter to be as independent
as possible in self-dressing.  Additionally, the APE might be more
individualized to help your daughter build muscle tone where it is lacking.
 This is the time to get the help she needs to be as independent as she can
be.

I hope this helps.


Take care,

Carlton

-- 
Carlton Anne Cook Walker
Attorney at Law
President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
Teacher of Students with Blindness/Visual Impairment
105 Creamery Road
Boiling Springs, PA   17007
Voice: 717-658-9894
Twitter: braillemom


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