Today Colin and Julia Russo, teacher of the visually impaired, from Los Angeles Unified School District, worked with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Light Box #2. Colin sat in his new Bug Seating System. The Bug, made by Ormesa, was perfect for the fine motor activity that the lesson required and made a real difference in how Colin performed. With the vest attachment in place, Colin was able to have upper trunk support, thereby allowing him to focus his energy on his visual performance.
First, Julia slightly darkened the room by adjusting the window shutters. This was done to reduce the surrounding visual distractions - the morning sunlight, the toys, the objects on the wall.
Julia then plugged the APH light box in a nearby electrical outlet and set it on the tray of the chair, talking to Colin and explaining to him what they were going to do for today’s lesson. They talked about shapes… circles, squares and triangles, and Julia assisted Colin as she traced the outline of each shape with his hands. Then they felt the raised edges on the shapes. They matched like shapes. They matched shapes by colors, red and yellow, which are especially good for children like Colin who suffer from Cortical Visual Impairment. Each time Julia visits Colin, she leaves a note for Colin and a special note to his parents. Today’s note to Colin was shown on his light box. It was an amazing lesson.
NOTE: Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to our new email address: teamcolin@specialkidsplace.org
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