"together for independence"
Model classrooms are places to visit to see exceptional programs for children who are deaf-blind in action. Model Classroom visits are used along with any other forms of technical assistance provided by Project Reach.
Project Reach uses the Classroom Observation Instrument, a tool developed to measure many of the key elements for successful instruction and programming for students with Deaf-Blindness. During classroom-based technical assistance, classrooms identified as excelling in any of the measured areas (Curriculum, Data-based Decisions, Preservation of Student Dignity, Communication, Social Supports, and Assistive Technology) are invited to become a Model Classroom.
To learn more about the Classroom Observation Instrument, check out the power point at http://nationaldb.org/documents/products/classroom-observation-instrument-sept%202006.ppt and download a copy of the tool at http://dblink.org/pdf/coi-2006.pdfThe teachers of the Model Classrooms become Mentor Teachers. The three initial Mentor Teachers have received training in deaf-blindness issues, as well as the process of coaching fellow teachers so that they become more reflective in their teaching.
Teachers and other Professionals serving students who are deaf-blind can make referral to Project Reach: Illinois Deaf-Blind Services by calling 630-790-2474, or completing a referral. On-line and printable referral forms are available at http://www.project-reach-illinois.org/referral.html
Debra and her team serve early childhood-aged students, including those with deaf-blindness. Her classroom was selected for the Model Classroom program due to excellence in communication, social supports, assistive technology, and other areas. Debra has presented to her fellow Mentor Teachers on the use of static books.
Anne and her team serve students in DuPage and western Cook Counties who have significant visual impairments and additional disabilities. She and her classroom were identified for their achievement in curriculum, communication, use of assistive technology, and other areas. They serve students who have the combined concerns of visual impairments/cochlear implants, and have developed multi-model communication systems.
Melinda and her team provide classroom instruction for elementary aged students, including students who are deaf-blind. Her classroom was identified in excelling with curriculum, communication, data-based decision making, and other areas. She and colleagues are developing a tangible word system with targeted vocabulary for high-frequency, functional words.
On September 4, the Project Reach Family Leader graduates met again to celebrate their successes and plan next steps. In one short year, these family leaders impacted and contributed to education in many ways:
We congratulate the family leaders and thank them for their continued efforts on behalf of children and education!
The National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) has several new resources for families on their website. The “For Families” section contains information in four categories: Family Stories, Your Child, Advocacy, and Family Specialists. Find articles, stories, resources and more at http://www.nationaldb.org/ , click on “for Families”.
Parent Centers provide training, information and assistance to families of children with all disabilities ages birth to 26 years and the professionals who work with them. In Illinois we are lucky to have TWO great parent centers!
Family Resource Center on Disability: Serving the Chicago are
Toll Free: 800-952-4199 Email: frcdtiil@ameritech.net website: www.frcd.org
Family Matters: Serving the 94 counties outside the Chicago area
Toll Free: 866-436-7842 Email: info@fmptic.org website: www.fmptic.org
Thank you!
A Publication of the Philip J. Rock Center and School…Serving individuals who are both auditorily and visually impaired. 818 DuPage Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 – Voice: (630)790-2474, Fax: (630)790-4893, TTY: (800)771-1158, www. project-reach-illinois.org; email: PRC@aol.com
Newsletter design donated by Engage Creative 630.645.2265, engagecreative.com
Philip J. Rock Center and School
818 DuPage Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
PRC is operated by the Illinois State Board of Education