Miss-Delectable
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Deaf & blind simulation helps train peer tutors | the Leader
Nicole Holmstead, a Deafblind Specialist at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) in Ogden, came to Bear River High School on Monday, Sept. 13, and provided a deaf and blind simulation to peer tutors. This simulation shows students the challenges their peers face every day and teaches skills on how to better interact and communicate with them.
Holmstead asked and received permission from Michael Fuhriman, the Life Skills teacher, to have the peer tutors participate in the deaf and blind simulation. Holmstead said the main goal of the simulation is to help students and teachers learn how to approach, interact and communicate with these individuals. Most students want to communicate with them but lack the skills. Through their interactions, the peer tutors break down barriers by reaching out and helping others do the same.
After the simulation, Holmstead discussed helpful tips with the peer tutors. She said, “Always identify yourself so they know who they are talking to and be their friend. If people do not involve them they can feel alone and get bored…Their other senses, like smell and touch, are quite strong and cue them in on their surroundings. Let them touch things to understand where they are and talk to them along the way…They are just like us but do things differently and learn mainly through touch. Give them choices throughout the day and explain when it is time to finish something. They cannot hear the school bell or look at the clock and can get frustrated when things are just taken away.”
Nicole Holmstead, a Deafblind Specialist at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) in Ogden, came to Bear River High School on Monday, Sept. 13, and provided a deaf and blind simulation to peer tutors. This simulation shows students the challenges their peers face every day and teaches skills on how to better interact and communicate with them.
Holmstead asked and received permission from Michael Fuhriman, the Life Skills teacher, to have the peer tutors participate in the deaf and blind simulation. Holmstead said the main goal of the simulation is to help students and teachers learn how to approach, interact and communicate with these individuals. Most students want to communicate with them but lack the skills. Through their interactions, the peer tutors break down barriers by reaching out and helping others do the same.
After the simulation, Holmstead discussed helpful tips with the peer tutors. She said, “Always identify yourself so they know who they are talking to and be their friend. If people do not involve them they can feel alone and get bored…Their other senses, like smell and touch, are quite strong and cue them in on their surroundings. Let them touch things to understand where they are and talk to them along the way…They are just like us but do things differently and learn mainly through touch. Give them choices throughout the day and explain when it is time to finish something. They cannot hear the school bell or look at the clock and can get frustrated when things are just taken away.”