490097 PS Specific Challenges of Learning with Sensory and Speech Impairments (2024W)

The focus of this PS is on solutions to the many challenges that can arise in inclusive settings with pupils who are blind or visually impaired.
The topic of hearing impairment and language development will be dealt with on one afternoon with the support of a guest speaker.

Objectives:
- To learn practical methods of how joint teaching with learners with sensory impairments can be meaningful.
- To gain an overview of possible causes of blindness and visual impairment.
- Knowledge of which different adaptations need to be made in lessons and with aids and learning materials for which eye condition.
- To deal with the supplementary curriculum for learners with blindness and visual impairment.
- Learning about blindness-specific exercises from the curriculum such as orientation and mobility, low vision and practical life skills.
- Recognize when a learning material or teaching aid is accessible.
- Independently prepare non-accessible learning materials or teaching aids in such a way that they can be used sensibly in joint lessons.
- Acquire skills in the area of tactile training and tactile strategies.
- Getting to know different Braille systems such as (full Braille, short Braille, computer Braille, mathematics Braille, Braille notation...)
- To test the differences between tactile or visual acquisition and reading of Braille in order to recognize that tactile learning and reading is a long process.
- Learning computer Braille so that they can read it with their eyes.
- Gain insight into what screen reader software is and how it is used.
- Be able to use the various aids (whiteboard camera systems, Braille displays, use of laptops and tablets) correctly in lessons.
- Develop an understanding of the possibilities and limitations of joint physical education lessons.

Content and methods:
- Supporting pupils* in developing social skills through empathy, independence in LPF, O&M and realistic self-assessment.
- Trying out different simulation glasses that try to imitate the different eye diseases.
- Reading Braille with fingers on paper.
- Writing Braille yourself on the Perkins Brailler.
- Reading computer Braille with your eyes.
- Tactile geometric drawing with various simulation glasses on a special drawing board.
- Tracing graphics from books with a vector graphics program and preparing them for threshold printing.
- Accessible, digital preparation of worksheets.
- Long cane exercises under the blindfold/simulation glasses.
- Physical education under the blindfold.
- Map work under blindfold, with tactile maps and globes.
- Trying out screen reader software on your own computer.
- Trying out different aids such as board cameras, Braille displays