TITLE: Calendars: Introduction


Robbie: 
Hi, I'm Robbie Blaha with the Texas Deaf-Blind Project. This module is about calendars for children with deafblindness.
When I say the word calendar you probably have a pretty specific picture in your mind of what this is.


[Visual Description]
Calendar board with rows and columns of various symbols.


Robbie: 
But as you will learn, calendars for children with deafblindness can be something quite different.


[Visual Description]
Five plastic bins with tactile symbols on the end. Each bin has an item that represents a different activity.


Robbie: 
They're individualized time pieces that provide a way of helping kids make sense of and participate in their environment.
Children with deafblindness are so hungry for information and calendars provide that for them.
A calendar is like a funnel that you can pour information through for the child.


[Visual Description]
A piece of fabric laid out, extended between a card on the left that says "Today is:" with a tactile symbol attached, to a plastic basket on the right. The fabric is divided into seven sections with an arrow pointing to the furthest section on the right with the words "Now." Another arrow pointing left extends along the bottom of the other sections with the word "Future." Each section has different items attached to it.


Robbie: 
A calendar is an invitation to have a great conversation. 


[Visual Description]
A metal strainer and plastic basket sit on a table. The strainer has a colorful toy in it.


Robbie: 
Calendars give our kids a sense of safety and a way to make their opinions heard.
We can't talk about calendars without acknowledging Dr. Johann Van Dyke who first used them with children with deafblindness
Alright! Let's get started!