Accessible Test



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Reach for the Stars


(Continued)

Purpose

To review and modernize the product Reach for the Stars



Project Staff

Charles “Burt” Boyer, Early Childhood Project Leader

Jennifer Grisham-Brown, Consultant

Diane Haynes, Consultant

Monica Vaught, Research Assistant (Acting Early Childhood Project Leader)
Background

The need for this product has not changed since it became a federal quota item in 1999. The educational principles identified when this product was developed have not changed, but new interventions resulted in a revision of this product. The authors of Reach for the Stars, Dr. Jennifer Grisham-Brown and Diane Haynes, stated, “It is a person-centered planning process designed to facilitate the development of educational plans that will lead to inclusive education programs for young children with disabilities. The process was developed to be used with several audiences. First, families of children with disabilities can use the material to articulate their hopes and dreams for their child’s future. The materials are designed so that a family may complete the maps and supporting materials prior to attending a transition meeting for their child. Service providers may use the material to interview a family regarding their desires for their child’s future.”

Research will be conducted to determine if there are national standards pertaining to transition, especially in early childhood years. Particular attention will be paid to transitioning from 2 to 3 years old because 3 years of age is the time when public schools get involved with the education of children, including those with disabilities. Also, transition from the programs serving children with disabilities who are 3 to 5 years of age. Transitioning from kindergarten to primary (1st grade to 2nd grade) will be addressed.

Reach for the Stars has been an effective transition tool, but the authors and the early childhood project leader believe the product can be substantially improved and made more user-friendly for families and service providers.

In 2008, the project leader and authors met to discuss what would be involved in reviewing and modernizing the Reach for the Stars. The conclusion was that Reach for the Stars does need modernizing, and the following steps occurred:




  • A contract was established with consultants.

  • A second meeting was held involving the project leader and authors. The result was to form a focus group to review Reach for the Stars and make recommendations to modernize the product.

  • A focus group convened on March 26, 2008, at General Butler State Park and Resort to carry out the plan. Many recommendations came from the focus group, and everyone felt the activity was very beneficial.

  • The consultants and project leader developed a plan of action that included a timeline for completion of the product in 2010.

Work during FY 2009

The authors outlined a detailed work plan and timelines for various modules of the product. They completed research of national standards for transition, especially the early years. Components of the product that need revision were identified. The authors completed the following sections of the book: introduction/overview, assessment section, and assessment maps. Feedback was sought on these sections and changes made.

In August 2009, the authors met with the project leader and graphic designers to discuss artwork for the book. The APH graphic designer presented an artistic theme for the book, which was approved by the authors and project leader. At this meeting, a revised timeline was discussed; the authors committed to a January 2010 date for finalized content to be submitted to the project leader.

Work planned for 2010

The authors will present the developing product at several training sessions, including the Division of Early Childhood Conference in October 2009. These training sessions will be used an opportunity to collect input from the field and make revisions to the product as it is in development.


The authors will submit all final content for the product to the project leader in January 2010. This content will include photos taken by the authors. The book will be reviewed and graphic layout will be finalized. Expert reviewers will be identified, and prototypes will be sent out for expert review. Revisions will be made based on feedback from evaluators.


Sound Adapted Tangle Ball


(New)
Purpose

To provide babies who have visual impairment/blindness and cerebral palsy with their first sound emitting ball


Project staff

Tristan Pierce, Project Leader

Ann Travis, Research Assistant

Darlene Donhoff, Manufacturing Specialist

Frank Hayden, Technical Research Division Manager
Background

APH currently sells several sound emitting balls that are suitable for children, teens, and adults. The Sound Adapted Tangle Ball is a toy that can be used by babies for sensorimotor development during play-based interventions. Throwing a ball, which has an important upper limb component, is a gross motor task. Gross motor skills are needed for the baby to roll over, sit, pull up to stand, stand independently, and eventually run. The Sound Adapted Tangle Ball allows babies, toddlers, and young children with cerebral palsy and visual impairment to practice these skills. The ball can be used throughout early childhood from teething to developing ball throwing skills. The exoskeleton Tangle Ball is designed to be a teething toy. The Sound Adapted Table Tennis Ball inserted inside the Tangle Ball, allows it to float, making it ideal for water and bath time play. The customer assembles the two balls together per the instruction booklet. The balls will be sold three to a kit.


Work done in FY 2009

The Sound Adapted Tangle Ball is the marriage of two successful, commercially available balls. APH chose to send the adapted ball to three professional reviewers; all chose to use the ball with babies and toddlers. Both balls passed lead and phthalates testing. The Project Leader completed all documentation. Braille translation is complete.


Work planned for FY 2010

The balls will be ordered, documentation printed and embossed, and the three-ball kits will be packaged. The product will be available for sale.



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