Reference no: EM133305144

Question: Discuss encounters you have had or observed with individuals who were blind and or deaf. Describe your own behaviors, feelings, and efforts to communicate. Or did you avoid communication?

I have had no encounters with children who are blind or deaf. Although this is the case my workmates and I incorporated it into the yearly plan to educate the children in our group. We explain to them that some people communicate with their hands. We have flashcards that we use to teach the children basic sign language. In some cases, we have also observed children who are less social, use the basic signs to communicate their needs at times. I have experienced twice in my class that the child could not hear well temporarily and needed to have an operation. They exhibited signs as mentioned in The Exceptional Child: Inclusion in Early Childhood Education 'The child does not respond when spoken to. The child cocks his or her head to one side, studies the speaker's face, or watches the speaker's mouth.' The child seems shy; avoids children and teachers.' In these two situations, we had a meeting with our team to discuss our concerns then we met with the parents and encourage them to take a visit to the house doctor.

I had several encounters with those who are deaf when I was in my early teens. Two of my extended family members learned sign language for their religious organization to support and reach out to those who are deaf. I was at first startled especially by some of the sounds, and then during the 'singing' part, it was naturally very quiet as they sing with their hands. I remember thinking it was strange that they played the melody of the music while they signed for singing, although no one could hear it. My family member explained to me that they could sense the vibrations of the music. Before and after the program I stayed always close to one of my family members because I was only accustomed to verbal communication. I remember that I did not want to go to the bathroom alone because I was worried someone would try to 'talk' to me and I could not sign back and or understand them. I felt uncomfortable for some time and did initially avoid communication. But after attending more often I learned some basic signs but not nearly enough to have fluent communication. In some cases, we could write to each other on paper. What I did take away is that everyone can read facial expressions and a smile goes a long way!