Dr. Karen Wolffe

Levels of Intervention At all levels of intervention process learning works best!  Informational  Instructional  Advocacy  Minimal Assistance  Average Amount of Help  Ongoing Support for Life

Five Critical Areas to Consider for All Youngsters

Conveying High Expectations Encouraging Socialization Developing Compensatory Skills Providing Realistic Feedback Promoting Opportunities to Work

Covey High Expectations Youngsters need to hear: They can and will grow up, Establish families outside of their nuclear families, Live interdependently, work, and play in the community. Ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Encourage Socialization Students need to be able to: Develop interpersonal relationships at assorted levels (public, acquaintances, friends, intimates), Understand reciprocity, Understand the nuances of nonverbal communication, and Understand the impact of their behavior on others near & far.

Develop Compensatory Skills Braille reading and writing skills, Efficient use of low vision aids, Orientation and mobility skills, Use of assistive technology, Listening and speaking skills, Note taking skills and memory skills, Independent living skills.

Provide Realistic Feedback Young people need realistic feedback concerning strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately the evaluation of students’ efforts will be made against a defined norm not simply against their own accomplishments or a perceived level of expertise.

Promote Opportunities to Work All children and youth need to be engaged in doing chores at home, at school, and in the community. They also need to volunteer, do part-time work during and after school, summer jobs, and to participate in work/study programs.

Resources Skills for Success: A Career Education Handbook for Children & Adolescents with Visual Impairments Navigating the Rapids of Life: The Transition Tote System AFB CareerConnect: AFB/NAPVI partnership: American Printing House: Hadley School for the Blind: Helen Keller National Center:

Thank you for your attention and interest in children and youth with visual impairments!