Infants/toddlers and young children who are deafblind—that is, have combined vision and hearing issues—have complex needs that require specialized approaches. The role of “touch” is one avenue that often is under-emphasized in supports for these children.
Heather Withrow’s third child, Orion, was born totally blind and profoundly deaf. Together with their Deaf son and daughter (who is a CODA—hearing Child of Deaf Adults), the Withrow’s learned how to connect with Orion, support communication among family members, and enjoy adventures together.
Heather’s presentation is based on her personal experiences, as well as her professional training in deafblindness and orientation and mobility, and as an ally in the DeafBlind Community. She will discuss considerations and opportunities for using the sense of touch for environmental information and communication. Through stories and media, she will share examples of touch techniques paired with learning strategies that can be used right away, or developed over time at home, school, and in the community. Heather will include her perspectives on how “Protactile,” a language used by DeafBlind people using only tactile channels, applies to deafblind children who are in the process of acquiring communication and language.
Presented by
Heather Withrow
DeafBlind Transition Consultant
Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Handouts
Age Group Addressed:
Birth through Age 8, Adults
Audience:
All
Core Competency Area:
Child Growth, Development and Learning
Skill Level:
Fundamental
Presentation Outcomes:
Infants and toddlers with differences in hearing levels in combination with visual diagnoses often have complex needs that require approaches that are different from those used with young children who are deaf/hard of hearing or who are blind/low vision. This session will increase awareness of specialized tactile approaches that will support development of bonding, communication, concept development, and orientation and mobility for children who are deafblind. Participants will learn from a presenter who is Deaf herself and has three children, one of whom is totally blind and deaf, and who also has professional training and experience as a special education teacher and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. All infants/toddlers and young children who are blind/low vision or deafblind, will benefit if family members and service providers better understand specialized tactile strategies.
Learning Objectives:
1. Appreciate the essential role of “touch” in the lives of individuals who are deafblind.
2. Understand how family members and service providers can use the sense of touch in supporting the development of trust, communication, and concept development in young children who are deafblind.
3. Increase awareness of practical tactile strategies through photo and video examples—including “Protactile,” a language used by Deafblind adults.
Expertise
Participants at any level of prior knowledge, training or skills would benefit from Heather's presentation. Those who work with children who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision, and deafblind will take away more advanced techniques and understanding.
