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.

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

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/

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.