Active Learning & Navigating with CVI

Deirdre Galvin-McLaughlin

5/21/2018 3:48 PM

Post by Kayley McDonald, OTD Doctoral Candidate and Denee Kroeger, OTR/L

Children are sponges - soaking up every bit of information in their environment, constantly learning unique features about the world around them.

A prominent researcher in the subject of visual conditions, Dutton (2006) reported that 40% of the brain is devoted to functions related to vision, therefore it is important to encourage your child to functionally use vision to explore and soak up information based on their ability levels. This happens by interacting, observing, and exploring the world around them.

One method is the “Active Learning Room” that can be easily made by families at home and adapted specifically for children with CVI by incorporating reflective objects and single colored toys. By searching different sites, such as Pinterest (see picture below of what comes up with search on Pinterest) or even just googling “Active learning room,” multiple images will come up giving parents an idea of how to make a little room for their child to play in that promotes their use of vision within a somewhat more controlled and visually appropriate environment.

One example can be found on the web-site Active Learning Space, “Using a Little Room” and it provides a picture of what a little room looks like with reflective toys/objects, as well as the benefits of having your child participate in active learning. There is a video at the bottom of the page of a little boy who is shown using a little room. There are also clear instructions and suggestions on different objects to use in a little room. Another example is a youtube video of a 9 month old child independently playing in little room! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOn6E8C0kb0

Depending on the child’s motor abilities and visual skills, they may eventually receive services from an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialist to help them learn how to navigate different environments. One article that I can across was for a new cane that is specifically designed for children with visual impairments with specialized visual supports built into the cane. http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20180411/PHOTOFINISH/180419985/photo-finish-a-way-forward-for-toddlers-with-poor-eyesight

Reference:

Dutton, G. N., McKillop, E. C., & Saidkasimova, S. (2006). Visual problems as a result of brain damage in children. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 90(8), 932-933. doi: 10.1136/bjo.2006.095349

Speech-Language Pathologist,Educator,Parent/Family Member,Occupational Therapist,Physical Therapist,Other

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Deirdre, Thanks for sharing the great video of the little room. There%u2019s a really interesting study group from tsbvi on the active learning approach. It really makes sense and this is a phenomenal group of teachers, parents and therapists. Here%u2019s the link.

Linda Hagood
http://www.tsbvi.edu/videos-we...

Linda Hagood - 6/3/2018

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Deirdre, Thanks for sharing the great video of the little room. There%u2019s a really interesting study group from tsbvi on the active learning approach. It really makes sense and this is a phenomenal group of teachers, parents and therapists. Here%u2019s the link.

Linda Hagood
http://www.tsbvi.edu/videos-we...

Linda Hagood - 6/3/2018