About the Deaf-Blind Course

The Deaf-Blind Correspondence Learning Program, available in English and Spanish, is an individualized program consisting of twelve basic Lessons covering family relationships, information about deaf-blind children and ways of communicating.

The Deaf-Blind Learning Program includes a series of Learning Steps in seven areas of development. Through initial information provided by the parent, an individual lesson is assembled to meet the needs of each family.

Depending on the ability and age of each child and on the amount of time parents can devote to the lessons, it takes approximately two years to complete the program.

Individual Help

In order to keep materials coming, parents must report to the Clinic at the end of each lesson. Based on parents' reports, the Clinic's staff sends the next Lesson and selected Learning Steps to help meet the special needs of the family. A letter offering information, guidance, encouragement, and training accompanies new learning materials.

What The Lessons Cover

Communication is a part of living, not a separate, unrelated skill which can be learned; therefore, the growth and development of the whole child is put first. Each LESSON contains a section on Communication. Each family will also receive Learning Steps in the areas of development that are of most concern: Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Eating, Sleeping, Toilet Training, Dressing/Undressing, and Personal Hygiene.

Family Relationships

Everything parents feel, not only toward their child, but toward each other and the world around them - everything they do in front of their child, contributes to the child's character, personality, feelings and attitudes and to the youngster's ability to communicate. The program, therefore, devotes a great deal of attention to the feelings and emotions of parents.

Special Sections

The Correspondence Learning Program's basic lessons deal with specific areas of interest to parents:

• Vision
• Health
• Hearing
• Self-Esteem
• Community Resources
• Toy and Play Equipment
• Building Social Independence
• Language Building Experiences
• Discipline - A Matter of Limits
• Creative Activities and Materials
• Looking Ahead to the Child's Future
• The Deaf-Blind child's characteristics and behavior

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