Renaldo is an 11 year old who was born almost entirely blind. He wears glasses that help him see outlines of very large objects, but he must walk with a cane. His biggest pet peeve is when people treat him different for being blind because he just wants to fit in like everybody else. He doesn't consider himself different and does not see his blindness as a disability.
I think for Renaldo he would need obvious visual supports during discussions so he is not at a disadvantage to the other students. However, I think its important that the supports given to Renaldo are not distracting and noticeable so he does not stick out compared to the other students in his class. Renaldo is so proud of who he is on the inside, but is so often treated differently by the other students because of his blindness. To change the student's perceptions of him to reflect his own positive attitude I think the teacher could highlight Renaldo's abilities by making it a point to call on him when he knows the answer or giving him a chance to talk and relate to the other students. Once his peers are able to see and appreciate his interests and who he is on the inside they will start to forgo the image of him as the blind kid.
Caitlin you made some great points! What about his reading skills, does Renaldo read with brail? Perhaps it would be special for Renaldo to share to the class that he can read like everyone else but show them how his skills are also special. I bet the kids would be really interested to feel all of the bumps and connect that Renaldo's reading tactic is really cool.
ReplyDeleteChirsty, I like that you suggested having Renaldo teach the class about why he reads differently. I think having students that are able to embrace their differences and similarities is important to both personal and academic growth. This would help all the students in the class understand why Renaldo has glasses and needs to walk with a cane. I am curious, however, and have never really thought about how you would support him visually? Like do you give him bigger print books and larger pictures? or is there another way since he is completely blind?
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