Understanding areas of disability

As we enter into the world of intervention it is important to realize that each child is different even though many will have the same area of disability. In order to understand more easily we must not only clearly research information about the identified area of disability but also research the child in order to understand their unique areas of strength. We cannot assume that one intervention will work for all children. Interventions are planned and implemented based upon the individual needs of the child.

One easy way to understand the child more fully is to assume the ability of the child. For example, if a child is unable to walk but moves about the environment by crawling and has limited mobility with the right hand and arm it is necessary for an interventionist to do the same. This will provide insight into how materials and equipment should be arranged.

Simulations also provide a keen awareness of not only the importance of the structure of the environment but also how curriculum should be modified to meet individual needs. If a child who has a visual impairment only has peripheral vision in one eye it is necessary for curriculum activites to be modified so that the child has full use of the vision field. Reading materials, writing, painting, and other activities must be presented to the child on the side where he/she is able to see.

New Beginning

I look forward to the challenge of a new year and a new semester. This semester I will be teaching 2 sections of CDFR 4300 (campus and online), writing a curriculum for Little Tikes Commercial, presenting at an international early intervention conference, and working on 2 text books. I look forward to meeting each of you either online or on campus as we explore the field of intervention.