Early Childhood Sensory Center

CelebratingAbilities…

Creating Opportunities

LITERACY SENSORY TACTILE

0 & M

BATHROOM

PARENT LIBRARY

TODDLER CLASSROOM

Utah School for the Blind Parent Infant Program

Ogden, UT

Blind PIP Offices forDirector, Program

Specialist and SecretaryRecords and Files

Waiting Area

Purpose of the CenterTo provide a place where parents and early

intervention vision specialists can come to:

1. Learn more about a variety of topics

related to vision impairment in young children;

2. View media and/or obtain reading

information on topics of interest;

3. See examples of adapted materials,

equipment, technology and environments

they may not otherwise have access to or

considered using with their child;

4. Meet other families of children with vision impairments and their toddlers (when visiting on a Wednesday morning);

5. Meet adults who are blind or vision impaired;

A man and his guide dog

6. Visit with specialists experienced with children with vision impairments (e.g., O&M, Speech/Language, Occupational Therapist, Low Vision Specialist); and

7. Observe school aged children with vision impairments using adaptive materials and techniques in the daily routine.

Each room in the center is dedicated tospecific tasks and learning opportunitiesas shown in the next few slides.

Literacy Braille and print books for young childrenBooks adapted with texturesBook examples for low visionStory Bags & Story Boxes (how to make & how to use)Braille readiness tactile activitiesAlphabet awareness materials Low vision aids (magnifiers, monocular, CCTV, reading

stand, line marker, etc.)

Braille readiness materials

Examples of adapted books

Learning about braillePrint and low vision aids

SensoryLight box and low vision play materialsMaterials for use with children with CVIVariety of light toys and materialsHigh contrast color toys and materialsComputer software for visual learning

Tactile Materials to use in water playMessy play activitiesTexture activities and materials; texture playPhysical knowledge activities (dirt, rocks,

shells, wood, metals, plants, etc.)

Orientation & MobilitySensory motor activity ideas and equipmentIdeas and equipment for working on motor skills,

balance, and gross motor playExamples of adapted mobility devicesCanesTrailing wall

Trailing wallUsing an adapted

mobility device

Materials for Gross Motor

Play

BathroomA model for setting up a daily care area with low

vision adaptations using contrast, color, size, trays, organization, etc.

A model for setting up a daily care area with compensatory adaptations using textures, trays, organization, etc.

Bath time activities and positioning equipmentAdaptations to use in hygiene such as tooth

brushing, face & hand washing, diaper changing, dressing, etc.

Adaptations to use in toileting

Parent LibraryVideos/DVDs on topics related to visual

impairmentsBooks and pamphlets specific to topics on

visual impairmentsElectronic articles and resources available to

parentsWebsites related to specific eye diagnosisWebsites related to organizations and parent

networking

Videos and DVDs

Books, Pamphlets, Websites

Toddler Play Group ClassroomLiteracy cornerLarge group area / Smart Board, rhythm

instruments, calendar, etc.Sensory playBlocks, cars, construction toys (O & M

mapping, etc.Fine motor manipulation Housekeeping and pretend playSnack

Playframes and adapted seatingSnack with “big brother”

The classroomSnow is cold…..book about snowman

Scheduling a Visit to the Center1. Request a registration form from an early intervention vision

specialist.

2. Discuss what you wish to gain from the visit, then fill it out and send it in by mail or email to the Blind PIP office.

3. There is a one time fee of $20 to be mailed in with the registration.

4. The registration form will be given to Bess Dennison who will then contact the family to schedule their visit and the things they wish to do or see on the visit.

5. Families may visit the center as often as they wish for a couple of hours, half a day or for a full day.

6. Families coming from a distance can request lodging at USDB if they wish to stay overnight.

For more information about the Sensory Center, call 801/629-4743.