Introducing modern teaching methods along with assistive technology for children who are blind/low vision
Project Name
Promoting Literacy for Visually Impaired Students
Location Implemented
Ghana
Technology Used
Assistive Technology
Competition Entered
Grant Competition 2011
Reading Skill Targeted
Reading Environment
Status
Winner
The Challenge
Many Ghanaian teachers lack the tools and resources to assess the extent of visual impairment and braille literacy skills development. Teachers also lack the tools and resources necessary for teaching children who are blind/low vision, as well as data about the specific literacy needs of students with disabilities.
The Big Idea
Perkins strategy is fourfold: 1) collaborate with and train local educators to teach children who are blind/low vision in an inclusive classroom setting; 2) engage families and communities to support students and strengthen gains made in the classroom; 3) distribute assistive technology literacy kits that include braille writers and low vision devices tailored to each students' needs; and 4) establish a local brailler repair system.
Results
300 children were directly impacted and 3,850 indirectly impacted. Six SMART braillers along with 67 Perkins Classic Braillers® were provided. Perkins conducted a training-of-trainers workshop with 13 master teachers holding advanced degrees in special education. These 13 trainers will provide training for 94 teachers in the three target schools. Training in the use of visual devices was also delivered to teachers in three inclusive schools.
Featured Innovation
International Day of Persons With Disabilities Innovator Spotlight Webinar
Learn from ACR GCD-funded Save the Children and Perkins International about innovative projects to improve early grade literacy of students with disabilities in Sri Lanka and Ghana.
Blogs and Media
Research and Resources
Perkins School for the Blind / Anne Hayes
The Perkins School for the Blind shares their ACR GCD-funded innovation to leverage modern teaching methods and assistive technology to improve literacy among children with disabilities in Ghana.International Day of Persons With Disabilities Innovator Spotlight Webinar
Learn from ACR GCD-funded Save the Children and Perkins International about innovative projects to improve early grade literacy of students with disabilities in Sri Lanka and Ghana.
Connect with the Innovator
Website
http://www.perkins.org/international-programs/Organization Type
Non Profit
Headquarters
Watertown, MA, USA
