Parent to Parent For Parents and Families of Students in Kentucky who are Blind and Visually Impaired Fall 2009 Kentucky School for the Blind Family Support Center, Member of Parent Resource Centers of KY Assessment and Implementation of Expanded Core Curriculum Addressed through Gateways PD By: Patty Dilg, KSB Early Childhood Outreach Consultant The Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB), American Printing House for the Blind and support from the Kentucky Chapter, Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired hosted the 16th Annual Gateways to Independence. This two-day professional development workshop featured Visual Disabilities Coordinator Karen Blankenship, Ph.D. of the Vanderbilt University Program. Dr. Blankenship addressed the assessment and implementation of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC). Educators define “core curriculum” as the knowledge and skills expected to be learned by a student by high school graduation. Mastery of the core curriculum is what both parents and teachers stress as essential for academic success in school, and later in life. With respect to students who are blind and visually impaired, the existing core curriculum is entirely appropriate; however, there are experiences and concepts casually and incidentally learned by sighted students that must be systematically and sequentially taught to the student with a visual impairment. These concepts are collectively known as the ECC. Due to their unique disability-specific needs, students with visual impairments need the ECC, in addition to the core curriculum (Hatlen, 1996). The ECC consists of nine unique areas for students with visual impairments: compensatory/access skills, career education, independent living skills, orientation and mobility, recreation/leisure, self determination, social interaction skills, technology, and sensory efficiency. Eighty-five Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs), O&M Specialists, and Para-Educators representing 28 Kentucky school districts were in attendance. Here are a few comments from Gateways attendees: “I plan to re-think the way I have been working with my students and make many changes related to ECC.” “I plan to do a better job of screening and assessing ECC needs, writing measurable goals and providing explicit instruction.” “I plan to focus on ECC along with academic standards, realizing that ECC standards can also be part of the classroom, not just after school recreation time, etc.” “I will be able to have a continuous record of progress of ECC to share with parents, teachers and administrators.” “Students will be able to develop self-confidence in the real world by learning the ECC.” If you are interested in additional information about the ECC, contact Patty Dilg at 502-897-1583 ext. 259 or patty.dilg@ksb.kyschools.us; Mitch Dahmke at 502-897-1583 ext. 221 or mitch.dahmke@ksb.kyschools.us; or your child’s TVI. Editor’s Note: There are two Gateways PD photos in the print edition. Photo #1 shows two teachers with notebooks, paper and pen at hand. They are sitting at a table working on a joint assignment. The caption reads: KSB Teachers of the Visually Impaired (left to right) Jeannie Brasher and Susan Hankins work on an assignment during the Gateways to Independence training on the Expanded Core Curriculum. Photo #2 shows Dr. Blankenship delivering her presentation during Gateways. The training was held in the KSB cafeteria. The caption reads: Dr. Karen Blankenship addresses Kentucky educators during the two day workshop on the ECC. KSB is Ongoing Resource for Statewide Students By: Nancy Nusz, KSB Director of Special Education We want to make sure you and your child are well aware of the MANY services KSB has to offer. As the Statewide Educational Resource Center on Blindness, KSB has a wide range of services that are beneficial in helping all Kentucky students with visual impairments to reach their potential at some point during their educational career. KSB is an ongoing resource for students, parents and VI teachers. Below is a list of current KSB opportunities: Bill Roby Track and Field Games – October 14 - for Elementary Students Braille Challenge – Fall 2010 Braille/Low Vision Carnival for Grades K-5 May 14, 2010 Low Vision Clinic October 9-10 (future clinic dates to be announced) KEYS Short Course Program Extracurricular Activities for all Local Students Participation in Sports through organized KSB Sport Teams Kentucky Instructional Materials Resource Center (KIMRC) Family Support Resource Center Kentucky Instructional Diagnostic Services (Outreach Team) KSB Full-Time Educational Placement For more information about KSB services, call or email Ms. Nusz at 502-897-1583 ext. 244 or nancy.nusz@ksb.kyschools.us. Editor’s Note: There is a photo in the print version. It shows a student working at a table with items used in making a bookmark. The photo caption reads: Jefferson County student Allison Irvin makes a bookmark during the 2009 Braille/Low Vision Carnival held in May. KidsHealth Provides Resources for Parents and Children Courtesy of: Kentucky Department of Education KidsHealth, www.kidshealth.org provides an array of online resources concerning health, behavior and development from birth through the teen years in an effort to help everyone involved in a child’s solid start back to school. The KidsHealth website has sections for parents, children and teens. As part of The Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’s Health Media, KidsHealth provides families with perspective, advice and comfort about physical, emotional and behavioral issues that affect children and teens. Parent to Parent is a quarterly publication containing information relevant to Kentucky parents and families of children who are blind and visually impaired. Editor: Mitch Dahmke Design and Layout: Paula Penrod Acting Director of Outreach: Meg Stone To receive an electronic copy of this newsletter, or to submit an article, e-mail mitch.dahmke@ksb.kyschools.us, or phone 502-897-1583, ext. 221. Get em Up and Get em Movin!!! Sports Opportunities Abound for KY Youth There is no need for students who are blind and visually impaired to sit around and be just an enthusiast of sports. Today, there are opportunities for youth to participate in organized sports. Please take a look at the list and get those kids up and moving! Kentucky School for the Blind Sports Track & Field Fall August 15-October 15 Goalball Fall August 15-November 15 Wrestling & Cheerleading Winter October 15-February 15 Swimming & Forensics Spring January 15-April 15 Requirements: Students must be in the seventh grade, or 14 years-old prior to September 1. Students must practice with teams on the KSB campus. KSB Short Course may be considered as an option for students who live outside of the Louisville metropolitan area. For information about Short Course, contact KSB Director of Special Education Nancy Nusz, 502-897-1583, ext. 244 or nancy.nusz@ksb.kyschools.us. For information about KSB sports, contact Athletic Director Kenny Jones (see contact information below). Kentucky Association of Blind Athletes (KABA) KABA offers judo instruction two days a week to students living in the surrounding area. KABA will assist students outside of the Louisville metro area in judo instruction through various statewide contacts. Students of all ages benefit from judo instruction. KABA also sponsors youth goalball and beep baseball teams. These sports are recommended for middle school and high school students only; however younger students may learn and practice lead-up skills to these sports. KABA representatives are available to visit your child’s school for demonstrations and presentations about these sports and other activities available for blind and visually youth. For additional information about KSB and/or KABA sports, contact Kenny Jones, 502-897-1583 ext.258 or kenny.Jones@ksb.kyschools.us. There is a photo in the print edition. The photo shows Dalton Novince playing goalball during the summer in Colorado Springs. The caption reads: Dalton Novince, a senior from Elizabethtown, was a member of the undefeated Gold Medal U.S. Junior National Goalball Team. The competition was part of the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) World Youth and Student Championships held during the summer in Colorado Springs. Novince is also a member of the KSB Goalball Team. Around the State: News for Families By: Mitch Dahmke, KSB Family Support Specialist BIG EAST FCBVI The Big East Families of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired (FCBVI) Support Group has met three times this year. In the Spring, they listened as Tim Hunt, a senior at Greenup HS gave a presentation on assistive technology. During the Aug. and Sept. meetings, plans were made for the Family Fall Retreat. See details below. Eastern Kentucky Family Fall Retreat for Families of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired October 4, 2009 The Fall Retreat promises you the opportunity to learn from others, meet new families, to increase your resources and to become a greater advocate for your child. Children will have a lot of FUN while going on a hayride, hiking, roasting hotdogs, making s’mores and exploring the mystical charm of a cabin. WHERE: Serenity Acres (map included) ADDRESS: 1409 Beechy Creek, South Shore WHEN: October 4, 2009 TIME: 10 AM – 4 PM Registration fee: $10.00 non-refundable Sponsored by: KSB Family Support Center, Big East FCBVI, Big East Educational Co-op, Dr. Laura Reese and Flatwoods Lions Club For information contact: Mitch Dahmke, 502-897-1583, ext. 220 or mitch.dahmke@ksb.kyschools.us. NORTHERN KENTUCKY FCBVI The newest family support group is located in the Northern Kentucky Educational Co-op. During their May meeting, a representative from the KY Office for the Blind gave a presentation about their services. WESTERN KENTUCKY FCBVI An organizational Western Kentucky FCBVI Meeting and Pizza Dinner will be held at the McCracken Public Library in Paducah on Oct. 26 at 6-7:30 PM. Families interested in attending should RSVP by contacting Mitch Dahmke, 502-897-1583, ext. 221, or mitch.dahmke@ksb.kyschools.us, or your child’s teacher of the visually impaired. This event is sponsored by: WKY Teachers of the Visually Impaired, KSB Family Support Center and the Western Kentucky Special Education Cooperative. What Parents Can Do to Build and Nurture Relationships with School Personnel Reprinted with permission from Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) by Pauletta Feldman and Mary Ann Reynolds (1996) Editor’s Note: Pauletta Feldman serves as the Special Programs Coordinator for VIPS. She is retiring in the Fall after 25 years of service at VIPS. Currently, Mary Ann Reynolds is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired with Jefferson County Public Schools. 1. Start early getting to know all the people who will eventually be in a position to serve your child. Network! Start sharing you dreams and let them get to know your child. Then, when you are in a position to work together, there is a good basis for open communication and teamwork. There aren’t a lot of surprises for school personnel and they have advance time for planning programs to meet your child’s needs. 2. Recognize that school personnel are people too. Good educational outcomes for your child are not just dependent on you knowing you child’s educational rights but also on you practicing good people skills. 3. Be willing to negotiate and make compromises or tradeoffs. Realize that the tradeoffs you make today can be made up for by different program options in the future. 4. Be open and listen. Don’t carry a chip on your shoulder until someone puts one there. Try to remember that each new situation brings opportunities to start fresh. Don’t assume that you’re always going to have to fight. 5. Offer to help. Be a creative problem solver. Your enthusiasm and willingness can motivate and assist schools to develop programs that might not be possible or might not have been envisioned without your support. 6. When teachers/administrators have reservations or are resistant to your wants for your child, don’t automatically become demanding. Take the role of educator and help them understand why you want what you do. You may have thought of objectives for your child and ways of meeting them that they haven’t. 7. Give positive feedback and support to the people involved with your child. Everyone needs a pat on the back for the things he or she is doing right. When a problem or complaint arises, seek a solution at the source. Going behind someone’s back to deal with a problem can damage trust. Go through the appropriate procedures and steps in the chain of command in solving problems. 8. Be committed to the choices you make and realize that you play a major role in their success. 9. Understand that building good relationships takes time. Things may not fall into place immediately. Patience can pay off as long as there is consistent progress. Mutually supportive relationships with teachers/ administrators will lead to superior outcomes for your child and you; relationships strained by excessive demands by parents won’t reap the benefits of true teamwork, even though you may technically get everything you want for your child. 10. If relationships break down, don’t involve your child in your battles. He or she has to spend all day, everyday in the problem situation. Support your child, offer strategies for dealing with the problem situation, and let him/her know that you are working to correct it. Do your fighting behind the scenes. Leave your child out of it. Are You a Carrier of a Genetic Eye Disease? Find Out—Analyze Your DNA Courtesy of: Bess Douthitt, Teacher of the Visually Impaired Are you interested in having your DNA analyzed to determine if you are a carrier for a genetic eye disease, or are you at risk for inheriting an eye disease? Here is your chance. The National Eye Institute is conducting the eyeGene Project. The ability to detect disease-causing mutations in many individuals with inherited ophthalmic diseases offers significant benefits for patients and their families. It is now possible to provide genetic testing for patients diagnosed with ocular diseases by screening for these genes. Kerry Goetz is the coordinator for the eyeGENE Project. He can supply you with a list of eye disorders that are being tested and any form(s) that you may need. This information is also available on line. The only cost to you would be for obtaining a blood sample and shipping it by FedEx to the National Eye Institute. You may contact Goetz at 301-443-7835 or email goetzke@nei.nih.gov. The full list of genes and diseases that are being tested can be found at www.nei.nih.gov/resources/eyegene/tableforgenes.asp. KSB Family Support Center Has New Office Hours To improve communication with parents and families, the KSB Family Support Center is open until 7 PM on Monday evenings. Please make a note of the new hours. Monday: 11 AM—7 PM Tuesday through Friday: 7:30 AM—3:30 PM If you have questions relating to your child who is blind or visually impaired, need information, or are in search of a vision resource, contact Family Support Specialist Mitch Dahmke at 502-897-1583 ext. 221 or mitch.dahmke@ksb.kyschools.us. The Family Support Center is here for you! Kentucky School for the Blind 1867 Frankfort Avenue Louisville, KY 40206