How Transition Skills can Impact your Entire Life with APH Connect Center's Melisa Matthews and Lee Huffman
Aug 30, 2023
In today’s world of education, especially in the realm of visual impairments, it's vital to take a more personalized approach. The educational needs of children with visual impairments go far beyond the classroom setting—they stretch into their homes, cultures, and personal lives. Recently, a group of professionals in the field of early intervention and orientation and mobility (O&M) gathered to share insights on how understanding a child’s home life, cultural background, and skills like O&M can dramatically improve their educational experience.
Through an engaging and thoughtful conversation, we gained valuable perspectives on how professionals can build stronger connections with students and tailor their educational approaches to meet their unique needs.
1. The Importance of Understanding Home Life and Family Context
Melisa, an early intervention expert, shared her personal insight into how understanding a child's home life can be a game-changer in providing more effective support. She mentioned that, as a parent, she is always open to discussing her child's home life because it provides a clearer picture of the child as a whole. Whether it’s their routine before school, after school, or even the unique motivators that exist outside the classroom, this context can be the key to unlocking deeper learning.
"I kept hearing from colleagues in early intervention, 'If I knew what their home life was like, or if I knew more about their family, that would have given me such an insight into being able to support this child,’” Melisa explained. For professionals in the field, understanding the child as a whole, not just as a student, creates a stronger bond and more meaningful educational experiences. It becomes less about "teaching" and more about connecting with the child in a way that resonates with their daily life and family values.
2. Embracing Cultural Sensitivity in Education
Kassy, another expert, emphasized how cultural knowledge can be a significant factor in tailoring education. She shared a story about a family from a different cultural background and how a simple understanding of their customs changed the approach to teaching life skills. At a recent symposium, Conchita Hernandez spoke about how different cultures can shape how children learn essential daily living skills. For instance, in some communities, learning how to make a sandwich may not be as practical as teaching how to make a quesadilla. The cultural and family context influences the skills children need to learn and can guide educators to use more relatable and meaningful teaching methods.
“There’s a cultural aspect to everything we teach, and knowing what the child eats, their social expectations, or even the daily rhythms of their life can make a huge difference in how you connect with them,” Kassy pointed out.
For Melisa, who works with a large population of Burmese refugee families, this cultural awareness is vital. “When I visited a Burmese refugee family’s home, I immediately knew that I had to take off my shoes before entering the house. These small cultural nuances have a profound impact on how we approach the child and their family,” she shared.
Understanding these cultural differences doesn't just help professionals tailor lessons to be more practical; it fosters trust between the educator, the child, and the family. Children are more likely to thrive when their environment—whether at home, school, or in their community—aligns with their cultural experiences.
3. Mastering Orientation and Mobility Skills
In addition to understanding home and cultural contexts, the discussion turned to the essential skills needed for independence—orientation and mobility (O&M). Lee, a highly experienced educator in this field, made a clear and impactful point: “The most important thing for a student is mastering orientation and mobility skills. The better you are at getting around, the more independent you will be, regardless of your visual impairment. Whether it’s using technology, Braille, or large print, mastering these skills gives children confidence and independence.”
Lee’s advice for both students and educators? Focus on developing O&M and assistive technology skills. The ability to navigate one’s environment and connect with others through technology can open doors to a lifetime of opportunities, both personal and professional. As Lee put it, “Proficiency in O&M and technology builds confidence in other areas of life as well.”
4. Staying Up-to-Date and Informed
Another key takeaway from the conversation was the importance of staying current with the latest teaching practices, technologies, and educational trends. Whether it's learning about new tools for visual impairments or adopting innovative methods for teaching mobility, educators must be committed to continuous learning.
“The more you know about the latest technologies and teaching methods, the better you can share that knowledge with your students,” Lee emphasized. This ongoing professional development not only empowers teachers but also helps them provide the best support possible for their students.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Education
In conclusion, providing high-quality education for children with visual impairments requires more than just technical knowledge or teaching skills. It requires a holistic approach—one that considers the child's family dynamics, cultural background, and real-life context. By staying informed and open to learning about a child's personal world, educators can build stronger connections and create more personalized, effective learning experiences.
As professionals in the field of visual impairments, it’s our responsibility to not only educate but to understand and support the child as a whole person. Whether it’s through learning about a family’s cultural norms, mastering O&M and technology skills, or staying updated on the latest educational trends, every small effort adds up to a more impactful and empowering education for the child.
To all the TVIs, O&M instructors, and early intervention specialists out there: thank you for your dedication to empowering children to reach their fullest potential. Your commitment to innovation and individualized support is what truly makes a difference in their lives.
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