Last week, I had a meeting at the school to give them permission to do an official assessment on Lynk to try to figure out what we can start doing now to help him. It was also a chance for me to meet Lynk's new, and permanent, teacher, Mrs. Ladner. Mrs. Ladner is an absolutely wonderful, caring woman.
At the meeting, I was able to tell the school all of my concerns about Lynk, the things he's been having issues with, ways to work around his vision. Some things are fairly simple. For instance, Lynk has a hard time seeing a normal pencil mark on a piece of paper. The grey line is simply too thin, and too light. There isn't enough contrast between the paper and the pencil mark for him to see it. To overcome this, Lynk will start using 4B graphite pencils. These are usually used for drafting, but it's a pencil with a softer graphite in it, so it writes darker and thicker. He's been using one at home for homework.
The school is also looking into getting a lamp for Lynk, because if there are shadows on the page, it can be difficult for him to see. So good lighting is a must. Lynk has also been using his peripheral vision more often to see the SmartBoard at school, so they plan on having Lynk sit close to the board, and at an angle.
The school is also planning on trying out several different types of paper for Lynk. Some students with visual impairments do better with raised paper, some have to have bright white paper, etc. The school is also going to evaluate whether or not Lynk will require a personal aide. Lynk has trouble finding his way around the school, and when I drop him off every morning, he has to be walked to the first grade line. The school believes that having an aide for him will help. So we will see what happens.
The school is also going to be looking at different magnification options for Lynk, as his hand-held magnifying glass just isn't a good option. It's hard for Lynk to hold, it's small, and it's difficult to hold it just right to see properly. I don't know if the school will use an iPad on a stand for magnification, a CCTV, or something else.
Lynk will also be having members from the SPED team in his classroom to observe him, to see what he's having trouble with, and what areas we need to work on. They believe that eventually we will need to start orientation and mobility, which is teaching someone who is visually impaired how to get around safely and effectively.
If need be, the school said they can also provide special transport to and from school for Lynk, (though since I drive him every day, I don't think this would be necessary).
The school will also be looking at whether or not Lynk needs occupational therapy, to learn things like tying his shoes by feel (he can't see the individual laces well enough to tie shoes, and it's still a task he hasn't mastered), and practicing his handwriting, as it's terrible.
I'll also be speaking to the school soon about the possibility of Lynk learning Braille. There are several reasons why I think Lynk should begin Braille studies. Partly, because it will be easier to learn it at a younger age. Some children with Stargardt's can read Braille more quickly than reading large print, and a lot of people with Stargardt's use a combination of Braille and large print, depending on the type of work they're doing.
I'm part of some Facebook groups for Stargardt's, and many people have said that knowing Braille has come in handy when they're having a bad eye day, when their eyes are overly fatigued, or too strained. Knowing Braille would just be another tool for Lynk to have to function day to day. If he never needs or uses it, then that's fine. But I'd rather he learn the skill just in case he actually does really need it later on.
In other news, insurance approved Lynk's genetic testing. Unfortunately, it will take at least 2 months before we are able to get the results of the tests. Though perhaps we will have the results before Lynk's appointment with Low Vision in Atlanta in January.
Things are moving forward with Lynk. We are doing everything we can to get him the help he needs at school, and are waiting patiently for his appointment with Dr. Primo. I'll post again if we have any updates on Lynk's progress at school or if we are somehow able to get a sooner appointment in Atlanta.
No comments:
Post a Comment