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ERIC ED404839: Starting Points: Instructional Practices for Young Children Whose Multiple Disabilities Include Visual Impairment.
This handbook provides basic information on the needs of young children (ages 3-8) whose multiple disabilities include visual impairments. Chapters address: (1) common disabilities associated with visual impairment, the primary educational needs of these children, and the complexity involved in teaching them; (2) the need for clearly defined program philosophies, goals, and practices to promote meaningful learning opportunities, including meeting exceptional learning needs, involving the child as an active learner, and integrating objectives from various disciplines; (3) procedures to develop and plan instruction that are meaningful to the child and important to the family; (4) selected instructional strategies such as task analysis, chaining and shaping, use of natural cues and instructional prompts, fading, and creating an environment that encourages active participation; (5) strategies for promoting communication with nonverbal children and those who have severe language difficulties; (6) specific adaptations and strategies for working on daily living skills; (7) roles and responsibilities of a behavior support team, orientation and mobility specialists, and an occupational therapist; (8) the development of an instructional program for a 4-year-old child with multiple disabilities, including visual impairment; and (9) strategies for facilitating communication between the special education and regular education teacher. A final chapter details a family's experience in parenting a little boy who is blind and has multiple medical needs. Each chapter contains references. (CR)
