Keywords

caregiver interactions, deaf-blind, early intervention, hearing loss, multiple disabilities, preintentional communication, visual impairment

 

Authors

  1. Chen, Deborah PhD
  2. Diane Klein, M. CCC-SLP, PhD
  3. Haney, Michele PhD

Abstract

This article describes primary outcomes of the development and field-testing of a curriculum Promoting learning through active interaction with 27 infants and their caregivers and early interventionists in 2 different states. The curriculum was designed to provide a systematic approach to supporting interactions with infants who have sensory impairments and complex multiple disabilities and who are at the preintentional level of communication. Participating infants had both a visual impairment and hearing loss and additional disabilities. Their families represented diverse socioeconomic, educational, and cultural backgrounds, and participating early interventionists varied widely in their qualifications. Results indicate that a diverse group of families used the strategies successfully and found them to be helpful in supporting their children's interactions and communication development. The article outlines key components of the curriculum and discusses evaluation data on the basis of caregiver feedback on use of strategies and analysis of videotaped observations on the caregivers' use of sensory cues with their infants.