Overview
This lecture explains how consultation and collaboration among teachers, related service providers, and families enhance support for students with visual impairments in educational settings.
Consultation & Collaboration: Definitions and Importance
- The needs of students with visual impairments are better met when teachers, professionals, and families work together.
- Consultation is when the general education teacher seeks advice from professionals and families to aid student learning.
- Teachers are not expected to have expertise in all disabilities but are supported by other professionals and family members.
- Collaboration means two or more people work jointly to plan, implement, or evaluate educational programs for students.
- Collaboration involves shared responsibility and accountability for common student goals.
Practical Applications in Schools
- Teachers may consult with specialists (e.g., TVIs) for suggestions on adapting lessons for visually impaired students.
- Collaboration can include co-planning lessons or coordinating activities with specialists to ensure accessibility.
- Example: A teacher and TVI co-develop a math lesson with hands-on activities suited for all students, including those with visual impairments.
The Five Step Process for Collaborative Planning
- Step 1: Identify academic standards, tasks, or performance requirements or concerns.
- Step 2: Discuss student modifications/accommodations and identify resources.
- Step 3: Decide on strategies and assign implementation responsibilities.
- Step 4: Monitor implementation and adapt using formative feedback.
- Step 5: Evaluate the strategy’s success.
Key Insights from Educators
- Early meetings discuss student IEPs, individual needs, and classroom setup accommodations (e.g., seating, space, materials).
- Open communication and problem-solving among staff are essential.
- Students with visual impairments need encouragement, structure, and high expectations, in addition to accommodations.
Communication Best Practices
- Professionals should coordinate times for student services, considering class events and availability.
- Effective communication considerations: preferred contact method, service schedule, planning time, and calendar events.
Collaboration with Parents
- Parents provide unique insights on their child's needs and independence levels.
- Teachers and parents can jointly implement and support instructional strategies at home and school.
- Regular home-school communication helps track progress and share relevant events.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Consultation — Teacher seeks information from professionals/families to support student learning.
- Collaboration — Joint work between multiple parties to achieve shared educational goals.
- Related Service Providers — Specialists like O&M or SLP who support students with disabilities in school.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and apply the Five Step Process to future collaborative planning.
- Maintain regular, open communication with professionals and parents of visually impaired students.
- Prepare lesson modifications collaboratively with specialists as needed.