Early Independence

This course suggests ways to approach some of the challenges that arise when raising a visually impaired child. Information and activities on orientation and mobility, daily living skills, and social skills enable you to create a home environment that fosters the skills your child needs to become independent. This course is recommended if your blind or visually impaired child is three to six years old.

Course ID: IND-121

Available in: Large print

Organization: 7 lessons

Credit: 2 CEUs

COURSE DETAILS

Prerequisites: none

Seven assignments are submitted to the instructor.

Grading: Letter grade A to F

Average Completion Time: 9 months

Course Materials:

1 large print volume

Supplementary Course Materials: Everyday Exposure to Experiences for Enjoyment Calendar

OBJECTIVES AND CONTENT

While parenting is quite a challenge, raising a child who is blind or visually impaired presents an additional set of unique circumstances. With timely intervention, however, you can use the information presented in this course to help you create the type of home environment that fosters the skills your child needs to become a competent and independent individual.

Lesson 1 describes how your preschooler learns by integrating sensory and motor skills. After completing the lesson, you will be able to:

a. discuss how various individuals promote your child's learning
b. describe how your child uses sensory skills to learn
c. explain the role of motor skills in the learning process

Lesson 2 focuses on the development of cognitive concepts. After completing the lesson, you will be able to:

a. define concepts that relate to objects
b. explain how body image concepts help your child learn
c. describe the role of communication in the learning process

Lesson 3 describes specific skills that can improve your preschooler's ability to move through various environments. After completing the lesson, you will be able to:

a. define orientation and mobility (O&M)
b. discuss the foundation skills essential to O&M
c. describe O&M techniques

Lesson 4 discusses the daily living skills that pertain to personal care. After completing the lesson, you will be able to:

a. identify the steps in basic grooming tasks
b. describe how your child can learn to dress and undress him or herself
c. suggest ways your preschooler might care for his or her belongings

Lesson 5 discusses the daily living skills that pertain to food-related tasks. After completing the lesson, you will be able to:

a. use meals as learning opportunities
b. describe effective eating techniques
c. engage your child in meal preparation and clean up

Lesson 6 explains the various relationships that influence your child as a social being. After completing the lesson, you will be able to:

a. explain the development of your child's self-esteem
b. identify the role of the family in your child's social life
c. describe your child's relationship to peers
d. discuss how your child interacts with the community

Lesson 7 describes how your child learns to interact in certain social situations. After completing the lesson, you will be able to help your child:

a. greet people
b. join in play
c. share and take turns
d. deal with feelings
e. behave appropriately