Combined Vision and Hearing Loss
Writing
Reading allows individuals to learn about the world; writing provides access to the outside world. (Sturm, J., 2003)
(Content for these links is currently under development)
- Provide opportunities for children to experiment with a variety of writing materials and methods
- Make writing a part of daily routines and activities
- Incorporate writing into vocabulary and comprehension activities
- Teach children to use writing to be more organized and increase independence
- Provide opportunities for creative writing experiences
Students with deaf-blindness, however, are often not given this opportunity because their families or teachers may believe that vision and hearing loss, as well as additional disabilities, make conventional writing impossible. Writing is not impossible for these children, but it may take on some unconventional forms.
Children become writers “by experimenting with writing, observing as others write, and receiving help from supportive adults” (Casberque, 1998; Dyson, 2002; McGee & Richgels, 2000). Just like other children, those with deaf-blindness need opportunities to experiment with and observe others writing, and they need assistance from families and educators who can provide them with tools and strategies that give them a chance to develop this valuable life skill.
Attention and Response
Increased duration of active engagement with writing activities
Interaction and Communication
Use of multiple forms of communication; Partial/full participation in instructional activities; Use of technology (keyboard, DVD player,alternate pencils) to support learning; Increased vocabulary (written independently or through use of AT)
Sensory
Use of tactile skills for sensory input
Tactile/Motor
Imitation of simple motor tasks; Eye-hand coordination; Tactile discrimination; Holding a pencil or adapted writing instrument
Cognitive
Recall of verbal and non-verbal events; Use of emergent symbolic forms (e.g. pictures and/or line drawings); Answers questions about text using preferred writing method; Expresses feelings/attitudes/opinions about text using preferred writing method
Daily student journal
Photo of journal page developed by teacher for a student who is deaf-blind with multiple disabilities
Promoting Literacy through Emergent Writing (NV Dual Sensory Impairment Project)
One-page sheet that provides practical suggestions for making writing accessible and meaningful for students with significant disabilities. Can be used as a handout.
Alternate Pencils: Why Bother? (LA Dept of Ed)
Excellent presentation that provides an overview of typical writing development and an introduction to alternate pencils.
Alternate Pencils: Getting Started (LA Dept of Ed)
Second presentation. Contains practical ideas and examples of alternative writing activities.
Case Studies: Jake and Matthew from Deaf-Blind Model Classroom Project (UNC Center for Literacy and Disability Studies)
User-friendly summary of an extensive research project aimed at teaching writing skills to students who had physical disabilities in addition to their vision and hearing loss. Includes video clips, photos and writing samples.
Literacy for Persons who are Deaf-blind by Barbara Miles
Provides a general overview to the importance of literacy for individuals with deaf-blindness, including practical strategies and tips to get started.
Writing Considerations (Heller and Jones-Swinehart in Colorado Services for Children who are Deafblind Newsletter)
Discusses and illustrates a variety of adaptations designed to assist students with physical disabilities.
Writing and AAC by Janet M. Sturm
Discussion of the link between literacy and language development with an emphasis on how to incorporate writing into the literacy instruction of students who use augmentative communication.
Focus on Literacy, with Particular Focus on Writing Skills (Vibrations, Colorado Services for Children who are Deafblind Newsletter)
Complete edition of the newsletter that includes the previous two articles.
Self-Selected Writing from Deaf-Blind Model Classroom Project (UNC Center for Literacy and Disability Studies)
Brief description of self-selected writing and its importance for students with deaf-blindness and other low incidence disabilities.
One-Minute Writing Context Checklist (Musselwhite and Hanser)
Checklist designed to provide a mechanism for saving student writing samples for use in showing change across time and designing effective instruction.
Emergent Literacy Interaction Inventory (UNC Center for Literacy and Disability Studies)
An inventory of key elements required by adults in order for students to learn how to write using an alternative pencil. Can be used to train teachers, teaching assistants, parents, administrators, literacy coaches, OTRs, SLPs, PTs and after school caregivers. Specifically designed for students with significant disabilities, including deaf-blindness.
PVP Pipe Easel (UNC Center for Literacy and Disability Studies)
Illustration, materials list and instructions for making the flip chart easel used with the alphabet flip chart in writing activities. The easel can also be used with the communication flip chart for other partner assisted scanning activities. Designed by Julie Brickhouse.
Predictable Chart Writing (UNC Center for Literacy and Disability Studies)
Description of a shared, group writing activity that results in a classroom book. Adapted for students who are unable to speak and unable to hold a pencil (modified from activities described in Predictable Chart Writing, by Williams, Carson & Dellosa).
Partner Assisted Scanning (UNC Center for Literacy and Disability Studies)
Short handout that offers simple tips for implementing partner assisted scanning, a quick strategy to use when a communication device is not available or does not have the needed vocabulary.
