Self-Determination

Self-Determination

Week 1
Increase opportunities for making choices and decision making. Have students plan the day's activities, where to go, what to pack for lunch, etc. Use the time to experience new places.

Week 2
Discuss and practice good telephone manners. Have students list their favorite stores and items. Talk about their favorite stores and what they need to know to purchase items. Ask them to list the phone numbers to their favorite stores and call to ask about the items they want to buy.

Week 3
Encourage reading about successful people who are visually impaired. There are many stories available to encourage lively discussions. One example is having students read short stories about women in history who were blind, have low vision, or deafblind. After reading the stories discuss their accomplishments, courage, creativity, role in history, etc.

Week 4
Provide opportunity for imaginative play that focuses on sharing. Find props around the house or at garage sales.

Resources:

Resources for the Expanded Core Curriculum (RECC)

Cleveland, J., Sewell, D., & all. (2007). Empowered: An activity based self-determination curriculum. Austin: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Holbrook, C. (2006). Children with visual impairments: A parents' guide. Bethesda: Woodbine House

Sewell, D. (Ed.). (2007). EVALS. Austin: Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired </p>

Weihenmayer, E. (2002). Touch the top of the world. NewYork: Penguin Group.

Self-Determination ECC Audio Library for Deaf-Blind Students

Self-Determination ECC Audio Library

Teens' Voices ECC Audio Library

DCMP Resources: