Most of us use some kind of calendar system. Some are small notebooks, some are large desktop calendars. Some people have hand held calendars like Palms. Classrooms often have the day's schedule written on the wall. Calendars help us know what to expect and provide structure in our lives. Children who are deafblind can't use a "regular" calendar. They often don't know what is going to happen next. Behavior problems often arise because of this confusion. Using calendar systems with children who are deafblind provides structure in their lives. It lets them anticipate what is going to happen. It gives a "topic" for conversation with them.

Robbie Blaha came to a Utah Deafblind Conference (1999), and gave parents some ideas regarding parents and calendar systems.

• As a parent, you have a vital part on the team in designing the calendar.
• Deciding what materials to use and what activities is a team decision and your input as a parent is essential. It is important to follow through at home and use the same symbols or objects that are used at school. When doing a calendar at home, remember the following:
• Keep it simple (you don't need to duplicate the entire school calendar at home)
• Find an easily accessible place (it will be easier to use)
• Think about your child's needs and start with calendar routines to meet that need.
• Develop symbols for calendars that are unique to your home

The following links explain more about calendar systems:

"Let me Check My Calendar" - An article by Robbie Blaha about calendars. She has also written a book about calendars called:

"Calendars for Students with Multiple Impairments including Deafblindness" This book is available from Texas Schools for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

"Object Communication" is a fact sheet from California Deaf Blind Services .

DISH stands for Deafblind Intervention Strategies for the Home,
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