Department of Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Deaf Studies
Introduction to Deafblind Communication and Culture
DFST 309 3 credits
T TH 3:30-4:45 pm VB 110
Course Syllabus ~ Spring 2015
Instructor: Sheryl B. Cooper, Ph.D.
Office Location: Van Bokkelen 018
Office Phone: 410-704-4153 v/tty/voicemail
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Office hours: T, Th 12-1:30 by appointment
Website: http://pages.towson.edu/scooper
Catalog Description:
Orientation to the lives of people with both hearing and vision loss, including methods of
communicating, techniques for guiding, assistive technology, culture and community.
Prerequisite Courses:
DFST 101 (Introduction to Deaf Culture) and DFST 104 (ASL 1) or consent of department.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. appreciate the great diversity of the Deafblind community.
2. become familiar with causes and types of hearing loss, deafness and vision loss, and the
implications of dual disabilities with respect to communication, independence,
orientation, and mobility.
3. become familiar with various methods of communication with Deafblind persons.
4. become familiar with assistive technology currently available to help people with both
hearing and vision loss.
5. develop basic guiding, orientation, and mobility skills for working with a Deafblind
person.
6. successfully interact with at least a few Deafblind persons.
Required Textbooks:
1. Smith, Theresa B. (2002). Guidelines: Practical Tips for Working and
Socializing with Deafblind People. Sign Media, Inc. Silver Spring, MD.
Recommended Textbook:
Sauerburger, Dona (1993). Independence without Sight or Sound:
Suggestions for Working with Deafblind Adults. American Foundation for the
Blind. New York, NY.
1
Course Policies and Procedures
1. Course Requirements
The student is responsible for all course material. Assignments must be completed
and submitted by the established deadlines. The instructor reserves the right to enter
a zero for late work. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor in
advance of any difficulties and to use email correspondence to request deadline
extensions if absolutely necessary.
2. Attendance and Lateness
Due to the nature of the course material, regular attendance is critical. The Towson
University policy regarding excused absences is outlined in the Towson University
undergraduate catalog. Any assignments due during an absence must be submitted
immediately upon return to class. Students are allowed to miss one class without
penalty. Students who miss more than one class without a documented and approved
excuse will have 2% taken off their final grade for each unexcused absence. To
confirm an “excused” absence, a student must provide documentation within one
week of the absence from the doctor’s office, hospital, University athletic program,
funeral home, etc. Students who arrive late or leave early, missing more than 25
minutes of a class period, will lose 1% of their final grade for each occurrence.
Exams missed due to unexcused tardiness or absence may not be made up.
3. Incompletes
Incomplete grades are given when verifiable circumstances prevent the student from
completing a course within the term. The Towson University Academic Regulations
regarding the grade of incomplete can be reviewed in the Towson University
Undergraduate Catalog.
4. Course Repetition
Students may not repeat a course more than once without prior permission of the
Academic Standards Committee. Students who wish to take a class for the third time
must complete a “Third Attempt for a Course Petition Form” and submit it to the
department chair before registering for, or taking, the class. If approved, the
department chair will send the form to the Academic Standards Committee for final
approval.
5. Towson University Cheating and Academic Dishonesty Policy
The Department of Audiology, Speech Language Pathology and Deaf Studies adheres
to the Student Academic Integrity Policy approved by the Towson University Senate
available on the university web page http://www.towson.edu/studentaffairs/policies/.
Students are expected to be familiar with this policy.
Refer to the 2014-2015 Towson University Catalog for information regarding
College policies such as the academic standing policy, academic honesty policy,
grading, withdrawal from a course, services and facilities available to students, and
other policies relevant to the academic process. Cheating includes copying from
2
others or using books or notes during quizzes and exams, fabricating information,
submitting work prepared for another class during the same or a different semester,
submitting work prepared by another person, permitting another person to copy from
or use your work, and plagiarizing. Incidents of cheating will result in a variety of
penalties.
This professor follows Towson University’s Code of Conduct, which includes the
policy on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism outlined in the Undergraduate
Catalog in Appendix F. The first violation of the university’s Student Academic
Integrity Policy results in an automatic “F” (zero credit) for the assignment. The
second violation results in an “F” for the course and a written report of the violation
to the Department Chair and Academic Standards Committee. Violations include but
are not limited to plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, cheating, complicity in
academic dishonesty, abuse of academic materials, and/or multiple submissions.
6. Office of Disability Support Services (DSS)
Students with Disabilities: The department is in compliance with Towson University
policies for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to
register with Disability Support Services (DSS) Administration Bldg, Rm. 232, (410)
704-2638 (Voice or TTY). Students who suspect that they have a disability but do not
have documentation are encouraged to contact DSS for advice on how to obtain an
appropriate evaluation. A memo from DSS authorizing your accommodation is
needed before any accommodation can be made and any such accommodation will
not be retroactive.
7. Blackboard
For this class, students need to access their Towson University email and Blackboard
accounts regularly. Towson University has Blackboard Sync which will allow you to
receive course notifications in your Facebook account as well.
In addition, students should be familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint, and Word.
Further assistance is available to students through the Office of Technology Services
Help Center (410) 704-5151 or [email protected].
8. Classroom Etiquette and Behavior
Example: Students are expected to listen attentively and quietly to lectures. Students
are encouraged to ask questions, but should realize that if their questions slow the pace
of the class for others, they may be asked to save additional questions for breaks or
after class. Students using laptop computers are expected to sit in the front row of the
class and keep their computers focused on classroom materials. Text messaging is not
permitted during class. Cell phones, pagers, and personal digital assistants should be
turned to silent mode or turned off and put away prior to the beginning of class.
Students who cannot follow basic classroom etiquette and are a distraction to the
professor or fellow students will be asked to leave the classroom.
3
9. Concerns about the Course and/or Grade Appeals
The Department of Audiology, Speech Language Pathology & Deaf Studies has a
policy to address student concerns about the teaching, grading, or other aspects of a
class. Students are first expected to bring those concerns to the faculty member
teaching the class either via email, or a face to face meeting. After the concerns are
brought to the attention of the faculty member, if the situation is not resolved, students
can bring their concerns to the Department Chair. Before this meeting occurs, the
faculty member teaching the class will be contacted to make sure that the student has
communicated with the class instructor about the issue. If a meeting with the
(department chair/grad program director) does not resolve the situation, contact the
Department Chair for information on what to do next. There are two exceptions to this
policy. (1) Students who want to report faculty discrimination on the basis or gender,
race, or disability, or (2) students who want to report faculty violations of the code of
conduct for faculty student relationships. Students with those two concerns should
report directly to the Department Chair.
10. Grading:
Plus/Minus Grading Scale:
A
93-100
A90-92.99
B+
87-89.99
B
83-86.99
B80-82.99
C+
77-79.99
C
D+
D
F
70-76.99
67-69.99
60-66.99
59.99 and below
Course Evaluation
Points
Total Points
Percentage of
Final Grade
Midterm Exam
20
20
20
Visit to MSB
10
10
10
Miracle Worker
5
5
5
Participation in
Deafblind Event
10
10
10
Calendar Activity
5
5
5
Presentation to class
10
10
10
Research Paper
15
15
15
Final Exam
25
25
25
100
100
100%
Grading Items
TOTAL
4
Course Requirements:
1. Midterm Exam: 20%
2. Final Exam: 25%
3. Participation at Deafblind Event/Reaction Paper: 10%
2-3 pages describing the event, your reactions and insights, based on your personal
experience with a Deafblind person or at a Deafblind event. The event must last at
least 90 minutes, and must include significant personal interactions with at least one
individual who is Deafblind and the opportunity to observe other individuals who
are Deafblind. The interaction or event must take place by 5/2/15, and paper must
be submitted within 5 calendar days of the event. Please submit proof of
attendance (photo including yourself interacting with a Deafblind person or email to
me from Deafblind participant or SSP). Reaction paper should include (1) a
description of the event, (2) description of your interactions with deafblind people,
(3) your reactions, and (4) your insights about Deafblind culture and
communication gleaned from the experience. Submit paper electronically via
Blackboard. Due: 5 calendar days after event, no papers accepted after 5/9/15.
4. Visit to MD School for the Blind (10%)
Contact the MD School for the Blind (contact info will be provided) and arrange for
a small group to tour the program for Deafblind students. Your visit will last up to 2
hours, and must be completed between March 1- May 8, 2015. MSB will provide
me with a list of students who have completed the assignment. Please coordinate
arrangements in advance through the class proctor so that visits from our class are
spread out throughout the semester and not all crowded into the last week. See the
list of questions posted on Blackboard and submit your answers via Blackboard
within 5 days of your visit. Due: 5 days after your visit, no later than May 13.
5. Calendar Activity (5%)
Students will be assigned in small groups to develop a calendar system showing
what a hypothetical deafblind child will be doing on a particular day. Information
on calendar systems will be presented in class and can be found on DB-Link’s
website, http://www.nationaldb.org/SearchNetwork.php?q=calendar%2Bsystems.
The in-class presentation will include using manipulatives to demonstrate the
calendar.
6. Topic Presentation: 10%
7-to-10-minute multi-media presentation on a successful Deafblind person or a
special topic related to the lives of Deafblind people that has been approved by the
instructor. Choices below. If the Deafblind person is alive, you are strongly
encouraged to contact the person by mail, email, or Facebook. The DB-Link
Clearinghouse (www.nationaldb.org or 503.838.8808), or your instructor, can help
you. Presentation will be graded on breadth and depth of presentation and must
include the person’s contribution to the world or detailed explanation of techniques,
5
ability to answer questions on the topic, ability to hold audience interest and use of
media, correct use and spelling of terminology, quality of powerpoint (spelling,
grammar, readability), and resources used. Photos and/or video clips must be
included, and add depth to the presentation. A bibliography must be included. Use
at least 4 references. It is strongly recommended that students utilize scholarly
publications in the library as resources. A hard copy of the powerpoint and a
bibliography in APA format must be submitted to the instructor at the time of the
presentation. The powerpoint presentation should be uploaded to the course
Blackboard discussion site prior to the time of the in-class presentation, and should
be identified by a clear title (i.e., HelenKeller.ppt, not Deafblind.ppt or
DFST309.ppt).
Deafblind People: Julia Brace, Laura Bridgman, Helen Keller, Robert and Michelle
Smithdas, Dr. Jeffrey Bohrman, Danny Delcambre, Harry Anderson, Cyril Axelrod,
Arthur Roehrig, Jamie McNamara Pope, speedskater Kevin Frost, poet John Lee
Clark, Roderick MacDonald, poet Christy Cummings-Reid, Winnie (Winifred)
Tunison, the Deafblind Hooker triplets, Krista Caudill, Holocaust survivor Doris
Fedrid, Maricar Marquez, Haben Girma, Bapin (Anindya Battacharya), Jelica
Nuccio and aj granda.
Deafblind Topics: Usher Syndrome, CHARGE Syndrome, techniques for close and
distant travel; alternative techniques for cooking and homemaking; teaching
techniques with Deafblind children; interpreting for deafblind people, DBC
(Deafblind Communicator technology, made by Humanware), sports with DB
people, NaLaGaat Deafblind Theater, calendar systems, service dogs, recreation
and leisure activities, the American Association of the Deafblind, psychological
assessment of DB people, recent legislation affecting DB people, Federally funded
research projects on DB, Deafblind Young Adults in Action, Deafblind Access to
Technology ($10M grant), Helen Keller National Center, Seattle Deafblind Service
Center, Destiny Home (LI, NY), ProTactile Communication and Haptics, or a topic
of your interest.
7. Research Paper: 15%
Each student will write one research paper on the same topic as the oral presentation.
Each paper will be 5-8 pages double-spaced, including a bibliography, and will be
submitted electronically via Blackboard. Paper, including bibliography, will be
submitted in APA sixth edition format. Bibliography must use at least 4 sources.
Students are encouraged to meet with the instructor 3-4 weeks before the
presentation for guidance on resources and references. Due April 23, 2015.
8. “The Miracle Worker” Assignment: 5%
You are asked to independently watch the movie, “The Miracle Worker” (1962, with
Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft). You will be given a list of questions to answer.
Submit paper electronically via Blackboard. Due: April 16.
6
Style Guide for Papers:
Papers will be submitted electronically through Blackboard. Your name, date of
assignment, title of assignment, and course number should in the upper right hand
corner of the front page. Papers submitted after deadlines will receive partial or no
credit. Misspellings of the word "deaf" as "death" will receive an automatic zero. Avoid
using adjectives as nouns (“the Deaf” or “the disabled”) or offensive or outdated terms
(deaf-mute, deaf and dumb). Watch for spelling: common errors include misspelling
“definitely” as “defiantly” and “a part” as “apart.
Note: Please save all graded assignments until after you receive your final grade for the
semester. If you wish to contest your grade, please arrange to meet with me and bring all
of your graded assignments with you.
Resources for Deafblind Events:
1. Church, Lunch, and Socializing (your religious background doesn’t matter)
Every Sunday, Christ United Methodist Church of the Deaf in Catonsville/Arbutus has
services from 12-1 pm. Lunch and social time is provided after the service. One to four
Deafblind people normally attend this weekly service. Most use tactile signing.
Interpreters and SSPs are always needed. If you plan to attend, please contact Pastor
Sandi Johnson ([email protected]) or Tiara Rogers
([email protected]) and they will ensure that you are connected to a
Deafblind person at a service.
2. Deaf Shalom Zone
The Deaf Shalom Zone always needs volunteers to run errands and do favors for
Deafblind people in our community. To volunteer, contact Kathi at
[email protected], Pastor Sandi Johnson ([email protected])
or Tiara Rogers at [email protected].
3. American Association of the Deafblind
The American Association of the Deafblind office in Silver Spring, MD is currently
unstaffed. Contact Randy Pope ([email protected]) about volunteering or
attending any upcoming AADB Board meetings or events.
4. MWADB (Metro Washington Association of the Deafblind)
(http://www.deafnonprofit.net/mwadb). They sponsor several events each month in the
DC area. For info about MWADB events: contact Steven Frank at
[email protected], Dona Sauerburger at [email protected], Jason
Corning at [email protected] or Ann Black at [email protected]. Check the
bulletin board in Van Bokkelen and frequent emails from Dr. Cooper to find out about
more MWADB events.
5. Deafblind Individuals
There are Deafblind consumers at CSSD, People Encouraging People, and Humanim
who are in need of company. If you would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the
7
staff at the agency you’d like to visit or Pastor Sandi Johnson
([email protected]) or Nathalie Davies
([email protected]) for information.
6. Deafblind Children
For opportunities to observe and interact with Deafblind students, contact Donna
Riccobono [email protected] at Connections Beyond Sight and Sound at 301/4057915 or Karen F at the MD School for the Blind at 410/444-5000 or
[email protected].
7. ProTactile Happy Hour
PTHH is an independent, informal gathering that meets once a month at different places
across the DC region. Everyone who comes to PTHH is required to communicate by
touch, whether it is simply "listening", "laughing" or following signs with tracking or
tactile ASL. Even sighted people, are required to communicate by touch, even if they are
communicating with other sighted people. Sighted people do not have to close their
eyes, but they need to make sure they touch and not cheat by using vision only. PTHH
is open to anyone who is interested in practicing tactile ASL, learning more about
deafblind culture, hanging out with friends or meeting new people, and simply having a
good time in a relaxing environment. All are welcome! SSPs who come with deaf-blind
people can participate too; they just need to keep an eye out in case their deafblind
person needs their assistance. A "refresher" is available half an hour before every PTHH
starts for anyone who wants to learn more about pro-tactile and get techniques on
communicating by touch and tactile ASL. This refresher is done informally in a one-onone or small group format, depending on the number of people. RSVP is needed for the
refresher: contact Jamie Pope at [email protected].
PTHH usually occurs on a Saturday evening starting at 6:00 p.m. There is no official
end time; participants are free to show up anytime after 6:00 p.m. and leave anytime
before the place closes. No RSVP is needed. Anyone who comes to PTHH is responsible
for paying for their own food and drinks, just like other patrons. If you would like to get
announcements of future PTHH events, there are two options:
• check the "Pro-Tactile Happy Hour in DC" Facebook page
• subscribe to the announcement/reminder-only mailing list at
http://dblists.net/mail.cgi/list/PTHH/
For questions, contact Jamie Pope at [email protected]
8. Deafblind Camp
June 7-12, 2015: For more info contact Brenda Talley at (703) 971-4645 or
[email protected]. You are also welcome to join the planning committee for
Camp. Meetings will held at Christ United Methodist Church of The Deaf in Baltimore
on Sunday afternoons. Anyone is welcome to attend.
If you would like to become a committee member, contact Brenda Talley
[email protected].
8
Deafblind Camp June 7-12, 2015: West River Camping Center
West River, Maryland
Planned activities include:
1. Support groups
2. Spiritual focus groups (optional)
3. Swimming
4. Tubing (?)
5. Canoeing (?)
6. Wall climbing
7. Giant Swing
8. Games
9. Hiking
10. Motor cycle rides
11. Field trip
12. Technology demonstrations
13. Cooking class
14. Arts and crafts
15. Hayride and camp fire
16. Massage, haircuts, facials
17. Dancing
18. Guest speakers
Your help is needed for this camp:
1. Prayer
2. Volunteer Support Service
Providers
3. Scholarships for campers
4. Recreation helpers
5. Transportation helpers
6. Massage therapists
7. Beauticians
8. Snack donations
9. Administrative support
10. Motor cycle drivers
11. Support group leaders
12. Dining room support
13. School bus for field trip
14. Disk jockey
15. Materials for crafts
To make a tax deductible donation, please send your check payable to Christ United
Methodist Church of the Deaf to the following addresss, and put “DeafBlind Camp” in
the memo line:
Christ United Methodist Church of the Deaf
1040 S. Beechfield Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21229
Optional Reading List:
Aitken, S., Buultjens, M., & Clark, C. (2000). Teaching Children Who Are Deafblind.
Andersson, C, Campbell, D., et al. (2003). Assistive Technology for the Hearing-impaired,
Deaf and Deafblind.
Chambers, D. (2005). Words in My Hands: A Teacher, A Deafblind Man, An Unforgettable
Journey.
Freeberg, E. (2002). The Education of Laura Bridgman: First Deaf and Blind Person to
Learn Language.
Greenberg, J. (1988). Of Such Small Differences. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
9
Gitter, E. (2002). The Imprisoned Guest: Samuel Howe and Laura Bridgman, the Original
Deafblind Girl.
Lamson, M. (2005). Life And Education of Laura Dewey Bridgman: The Deaf, Dumb And
Blind Girl.
McInnes, J. (1999). A Guide to Planning and Support for Individuals Who Are Deafblind.
McInnes, J., & Treffy, J. (1993). Deafblind Infants and Children: A Developmental
Guide.
Prickett, J. G. (1995). Hand in Hand: Essentials of Communication and Orientation and
Mobility for Your Students Who Are Deafblind: A Trainer's Manual.
Tentative Course Schedule
Date:
Topics:
Week 1
Course overview and
introductions.
Thurs. Jan 29 Submit topic choices.
People First Language.
Who is Deafblind?
Powerpoint: “DFST 309
Intro to DB”
Week 2
Intro to Deafblind C&C
(video)
Thurs Feb 5 Courtesies for Interacting
with Deafblind People
(powerpoint)
Vision Loss 2015
(powerpoint)
Week 3
Communication
Techniques (powerpoint)
Thurs Feb 12 Braille (powerpoint)
Week 4
Usher Syndrome
(powerpoint)
Thurs Feb 19 CHARGE Syndrome
(powerpoint)
Describing Visual
Information
(powerpoint)
Readings & Prep:
Assg’ts Due:
Smith, ch 1.
Smith ch 2, 3, 4, 11
Smith ch 7, 8, 9, 10
Sauerburger book.
www.nfb.org/images/nfb/video/
Braille_Literacy_Final.wmv
Smith, ch 13.
Activities describing landscape,
actions, room design, food, etc.
10
Week 5
Orientation and Mobility. Smith, ch 6.
Sighted Guide Techniques Sauerburger book.
Thurs Feb 26 (powerpoint)
Guiding Practice.
DB-Link handout.
Sauerburger book,
Wright/Foley Video
Wright/Foley video
Week 6
Calendar Systems
Smith ch 5
Recreation and Leisure. Assign calendar activity
Thurs Mar 5
schedule to small groups.
Week 7
Technology: Field trip to
WTC with Denise
Thurs Mar 12 Schuler and Christine
Telford. Confirmed.
Class Field Trip to Workforce
and Technology Center, 2301
Argonne Drive, Baltimore, MD
21218. Arrange your own
carpools.
Week 8
SPRING BREAK
Thurs Mar 19
Week 9
MIDTERM EXAM
MIDTERM EXAM
Thurs Mar 26
Week 10
SSPs: Who Are They?
(DVD)
Thurs April 2 SSPs, Intervenors, and
Interpreters. Interpreting
for DB People
(powerpoint)
Pro-Tactile
Communication
(powerpoint)
Psych testing of children.
Week 11
Guest Speaker: Sandy
Newcomb. Developing
Thurs April 9 concepts & language for
deafblind children
Week 12
Calendar activity
presentations in class.
Thurs April Some student
16
presentations.
Week 13
2-3:15 pm: Guest
Speakers: Deafblind
Thurs April individuals from CUMCD
23
3:30-4:40 pm Guest
Speakers: Sarah Nelinson
and Joann Levy
Smith, ch 14, 15, 17
Watch the movie “The Miracle
Worker” from 1962 with Patty
Duke on your own time.
MIRACLE
WORKER
paper due
RESEARCH
PAPERS DUE
11
Week 14
Student Presentations
Thurs April
30
Week 15
Student Presentations
5/9: Last day to
submit MSB.
5/13: Last day to
submit DB Event
FINAL EXAM
FINAL EXAM
Thurs May 7
Thursday.
May 14 3-5
pm
12