S D M Mackevicius
Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, Early Childhood, Boronia, Australia
RVIB's vision, that clients be supported to maximise their independence in local communities, has been realised for children 0-6. Children who are blind or vision impaired are included in early childhood settings with support from early childhood educators experienced in vision impairment. Information for families and educators, which addresses the unique learning needs of these children, has resulted in the book "I'm Posting the Pebbles".
The presentation about inclusion for young children will discuss:
X families expectations and contributions
X empowering children through active learning
X educational considerations for providing equitable learning experiences
X the adult's role in setting up a challenging environment
X the importance of creatively adapting materials and modifying activities
X strategies to foster social interaction with sighted peers
X illustrations of children's play
X ideas to extend play
Families and educators who have read and implemented suggestions in this publication have valued it for:
X its clarity and relevance
X ideas and examples which enable children to learn while they play alongside their sighted peers and without constant adult intervention
X its use by educators in geographically isolated areas, where support from teachers of the vision impaired may not be available
X the assumption that families and educators are skilled, creative and knowledgeable people who, given the correct information, will be able to support their children well
Vision 2002 offers a forum for the philosophy and practices underpinning this publication to be shared abroad with other educators of young children.
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