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R. E. S. P. E. C. T.

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R.E.S.P.E.C.T Ivey's hands - they are her eyes and her ears!!!  
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Our hands ALWAYS reside under Ivey's hands. She holds our hands.

This is called HAND-UNDER-HAND. 
This is the correct technique for communicating with and for teaching Ivey.  Whether showing her something, introducing yourself or signing with her, this is how we all do it. 

By doing these steps, we will create a SAFE environment for Ivey.   This will encourage her curiousity, flame her independence and most importantly - it reinforces that we/you are on her TEAM providing a safe world. 

Suprises are not fun to a deafblind individual.  Just think about it the next time you hear a bump in the night - now imagine that bump grabbing you and making you do something without knowing who or what it was - ugg- how scary!!!  That is her life. 
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R.E.S.P.E.C.T Ivey's hands - they are her eyes and her ears!!! 
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STEP 1
  • VERBALLY (loud clear voice if she doesn't have her hearing aids) tell Ivey you want to 'play' with her, 'show' her an object, read a braille book or 'talk' with her. 
  • TOUCH Ivey on the arm bellow the bend of her elbow.  This will let her know you are about to offer her your hands.  She will begin to reach for your hands...preferably your thumbs.
  • SLIDE your hands under her forearms to her hands.   
STEP 2
  • Let her hold your hands as you EXPLORE a new texture, object or surface - Let her hold your hands as you SIGN with her.  (I'll teach you her signs) NEVER grab her hands or force them to touch.She will resist.  It's not SAFE to her.
STEP 3
  • Always, always, always tell Ivey when you are FINISHED, both verbally and with the sign 'finished'.  Make sure if you are leaving to always tell her GOOD-Bye too.
Remember hands are sensitive especially the palms - introduce new textures on her arms or legs first.  
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R.E.S.P.E.C.T Ivey's hands - they are her eyes and her ears!!!
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Comments

Anonymous said…
So many things we sighted people would never even think of!
Thanks for the education.
Does she do much signing yet?
May 3, 2010 at 3:06 PM
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