Children with Blindness and Complex Needs: Building Better Communications  

Posted on May 22, 2024 - 1:22 pm by
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A child standing and engaged with a large blue barrel with bells moving it around.

Are you ready to better support your child with complex needs? APH Hive’s three-part course provides families with tips that are especially useful for advocating and enhancing communication at home or in discussions with IEP teams.

Part 1: Using the Sensing and Learning Approach with Sensorimotor State Learner 

A woman with curly blonde hair is leaning over and assisting a young boy wearing glasses and a striped shirt that says "Mommy's MVP." They are in a colorful learning environment with various toys and books in the background. The text on the image reads "Using the Sensing and Learning Approach with Sensorimotor Stage Learners" by Millie Smith and Stacey Chambers. There is also a logo for "APH Hive" featuring a honeycomb pattern and a bee icon.

Learn how to connect play with learning. This course introduces simple and enjoyable games and strategies to help your child further understand concepts of people, objects, actions, and places. You’ll learn to use the Symbols and Meaning (SAM) toolkit to support teaching symbolic concepts.

Learn through Play: Discover how everyday games can build communication skills.

Adapt for Accessibility: Find out how to adapt activities for children specific to their needs.

Part 2: Fostering Symbolic Understanding for Students with Complex Needs 

A teacher and a young girl are sitting at a table engaging in a symbolic learning activity using colorful flower props. The image has a yellow honeycomb design overlay with text that reads 'Fostering Symbolic Understanding for Students with Complex Needs' by Leanne Grillot & Stacey Chambers, and the APH Hive logo featuring a stylized beehive and bees

This part of the course shows you how to use what you already have at home to help your child learn and have opportunities to practice communication. It’s all about making learning part of your daily routine in a way that is fun and engaging for them. 

  • Understand Your Child’s Needs: Identify what sensory activities your child enjoys and responds to. 
  • Create Learning Routines: Get practical tips for setting up daily routines to help your child learn and grow. 

Part 3: Building a Conversation with Tactile Connections 

A person with short white hair and glasses is pointing to a board with various tactile symbols and objects arranged in an organized manner. The image has a yellow honeycomb design overlay with text that reads 'Building a Conversation with Tactile Connections' by Leanne Grillot and Stacey Chambers, and the APH Hive logo featuring a stylized beehive and bees.

Children can communicate using tactile methods. This course will teach you about tactile symbols – simple tools that help your child express their needs and choices, organize their thoughts, and become a more independent communicator. Learn to design and apply Tactile Connections to aid in choice-making, language usage, and fostering independence.  

  • Make Communication Physical: Learn how tactile symbols can help your child communicate more effectively. 
  • Support Independence: Explore ways tactile tools can help your child make choices and express themselves.  

Additional Information

Home – APH Hive

Communication for Young Children with Blindness or Low Vision and Multiple Disabilities – ConnectCenter (aphconnectcenter.org)

Routines, Communication, and Practice!   – ConnectCenter (aphconnectcenter.org)

Embracing the Sensorimotor Stage – ConnectCenter (aphconnectcenter.org)