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Welcome, Special Education Team!

Hello, everyone, and welcome to our special education team. We will collaborate to help and support a student named Michael, who has significant orthopedic, visual, and communicative challenges. Here are some resources, strategies, and instructional methods to help you get started.

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Michael could use his forearm or another body part to hit a switch. This can be used to select options, indicate preferences, or participate in activities. https://enablingdevices.com/product/adjustable-angle-switch/

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For Michael, tactile graphics can provide essential information through touch, helping him understand concepts typically conveyed visually. These tactile graphics, often paired with Braille, include maps, charts, building layouts, schematic diagrams, and images of geometric figures, allowing Michael to explore and comprehend content through his sense of touch. https://www.perkins.org/resource/tactile-graphics-students-who-are-blind-or-visually-impaired/

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Use this Jars in correlation with stories

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These scent jars with different scents can be used during lessons and other activities to help Michael associate smells with specific concepts or stories. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/browse?search=smell%20jars

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The Victor Reader Stream can greatly enhance Michael's learning experience by providing easy access to audiobooks, text-to-speech capabilities, and multimedia formats. This portable device supports independent learning and is compatible with Braille displays and screen readers, helping Michael efficiently manage his resources and stay engaged in his education. https://store.humanware.com/hus/victor-reader-stream-handheld-media-player.html?CAGPSPN=pla&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwko21BhAPEiwAwfaQCGcp-BNRfw127n89WXyMFPUgrUgMvC4woxPLZIft2YAji9k7-6aXshoCjqQQAvD_BwE

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Michael is a 10-year-old student with minimal movement in one hand and arm. He is legally blind and currently without a communication system. Despite these challenges, it is crucial to recognize Michael's potential for learning and engagement. Our goal is to find effective ways for him to communicate and participate in the classroom.

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This device can be used to help Michael communicate

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Tactile symbols are a form of communication that Michael can recognize by touch, often used for students who are blind or deafblind. These symbols represent people, places, actions, and objects meaningful to him, created by mounting real objects, partial objects, textures, or shapes on a portable background, such as a card. For instance, a tactile symbol for a sausage biscuit might be a nickel-sized piece of leather with a piece of bread bag tie on top.

Tactile symbols can help Michael understand and anticipate activities and events, reducing anxiety by clarifying his daily schedule. For example, a list of tactile symbols in slotted boxes can help him understand the order of activities for the day. https://enablingdevices.com/product/tactile-symbol-communicator/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=communicators_pmax&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwko21BhAPEiwAwfaQCHppE0VfN33LwCF2n2BBUtGiYNxTqLKUoZ1VAc0pg9NdnOZzbNWZHBoC-8sQAvD_BwE

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Utilizing Michael's abilities and senses is essential to support his learning effectively. But even more importantly, building trust is key. Secondly, we will incorporate animated read-alouds with sensory inputs. For instance, if a story features the wind, we can use a fan to engage and motivate Michael. Lastly, we will honor his non-symbolic communication. If we observe Michael leaning forward or moving his forearm, we will interpret these actions as attempts to communicate and respond accordingly.

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To support Michael's learning effectively, we will implement a comprehensive plan that relies on tactile books and other sensory-based strategies to foster literacy skills, support understanding of activities, and provide enjoyable independent leisure activities. At home, tactile books will be used for enjoyment, activity anticipation, and independent leisure, while at school, they will be integrated into literacy instruction and concept development. Additionally, experience books based on personal experiences and object books containing real objects from Michael's activities will be used to develop language skills and introduce him to reading through tactile learning. https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/tactile-books-students-visual-impairments/

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Items in a Box, that correlate to the story.

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Routine Books: A routine book helps Michael organize his day using tactile elements to represent different activities. As he completes each step or activity, he can turn the page to signify it is done.

Story Boxes (Book Bags): A story box allows Michael to experience stories through touch. Select simple stories about familiar objects and concepts, and collect corresponding tactile items in a box or bag. As you read the story to Michael, he can hold and explore the items, enhancing his engagement with the story through touch. https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/tactile-books-students-visual-impairments/

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Read the following article that provides sensory input methods. https://www.childrenstherapyteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Star-Sensory-Handout.pdf

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Final Thoughts

Working with Michael will be a collaborative effort, requiring us to continuously assess and adapt our strategies to find what works best for him. Your role as a paraprofessional is crucial in helping Michael access his education and communicate effectively. I have included a Google Doc on this Padlet, where we can all contribute and record ideas and observations as we move forward, helping and supporting Michael. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or share observations as we work together to support Michael's learning and growth.

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Special Education Team's Collaborative Google Doc

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Special Education Team's Collaborative Google Doc

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Please Feel Free to Comment, Ask Questions, or make suggestions! Remember, this is your document.

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Special Education Team's Collaborative Google Doc