VIDBE-Q Volume 66 Issue 4
Routines are also excellent opportunities to engage in meaningful interaction
with your child. Mealtimes, changing routines, dressing, etc., are all places where
predictable activity occurs with opportunities to "listen" for your child's
communication through behavior as well as to introduce symbols for
communicating what is happening and to aid in choice making. You can learn
more at the Texas Deafblind Project website, https://txdeafblindproject.org/ .
Functional Level
This is a very large category of developmental level, and there is likely
much overlap with the previous section. Developing concepts that will be utilized
and built upon throughout the lifespan are areas of high need. When concepts can
be reinforced across settings, both school and home, there is much greater
likelihood of assimilating and generalizing knowledge and experiences. Examples
include: rough and smooth, inside and outside, more and less, fast and slow, and
even characteristics of materials, such as wood, metal, glass, and plastic. These
material concepts will help in discerning landmarks and clues when traveling along
routes. It is best to present these in natural settings wherever possible such as
finding the rough brick next to the smooth glass in the hallway while transitioning
to an activity. Feeling the hot glass on the door before heading out into the warm
