VIDBE-Q Volume 66 Issue 4
child's learning inside the school setting. For example, Dr. Karen Koehler and I
worked with teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) and pre-service
TVIs on a weeklong summer camp where the students designed a culminating
event for their family members (Farrand, 2021). Family members, including
parents, grandparents, and siblings, attended and engaged with their child in a
student created accessible museum, where they shared what they learned and
created throughout their time at the camp.
To do. Come up with a list of potential ways to engage families throughout
the school year in volunteer opportunities and authentic learning experiences
alongside their child. Remember most of these experiences for families can be
done in person and virtually. Make sure to observe your school district's policy
when designing these opportunities. This can be a great way for parents to observe
what their child is learning and ways that their child learns best, while also
collaborating to make meaning with their child. You also want to plan professional
development opportunities for families to learn more information about strategies
and content that families identified as an area of interest or need. This can be an
opportunity to bring in community organizations and resources that provide
additional supports for families of students with visual impairments or
deafblindness.
