The use of calendar schedules in teaching persons with deaf blindness

Abstract

The study is about the use of calendar schedules in teaching persons with deaf blindness. The research proposed to find out how caregivers use calendars and identify calendar components. Additionally, it was to find out the different communication forms/functions use in calendar routines. The study was also to look at conversational topics using calendars and calendar tips. Finally, it was to identify benefits persons with deaf blindness gain from using calendars. The design took the form of a case study involving the use of interviews and questionnaires administered to a sample of twelve (12) who are teachers at the Centre for deafblind persons. Qualitative analysis was undertaken in response to the emerging items from the interview data. Questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables and relevant description based on data obtained. The main findings are that all teachers at the deafblind center –Mampong, Akuapim use calendar schedules as a structured routine scheduled in their teaching and learning process with persons who are deafblind. The teachers used both concrete and abstract symbols as components of calendar. It also came out clearly that many communication forms like sign language, speech, gestures and finger spelling were used to support calendar activities so that persons with deaf University University of of Education,Winneba:http://ir.uew.edu.gh Education,Winneba:http://ir.uew.edu.gh 9 blindness are able to gain the following benefits enhanced communication skills, time concept, choice making, emotional and social skills from calendar use. However, it was recommended that calendar design must meet the needs of a particular person who is to use. Deafblind person should be involved in setting the calendar.