Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care? Of course, we do! We all like to know when 5 o’clock hits on a Friday afternoon! We may not be as happy to see the time slip away at the end of a great weekend but we still want to know what time it is to prepare ourselves for Monday morning. Have you ever misplaced your calendar and felt lost? It certainly causes me a little bit of panic and stress. Calendar formats for us are a bit different than calendar systems used by many learners with DeafBlindness. They are certainly an integral part of their world and their communication. We must include these systems in their educational plans.
Calendar systems are individualized systems used to identify events happening next as well as events for the day, week, month, and year. They are used at all stages of communication. It helps learners with DeafBlindness develop an understanding of concepts about the past, present, and future. Calendars help them make sense of their world and their surroundings, as well as their purpose and expectations during activities and events.
Calendars can range from very simple with addressing what is happening next to calendars that display the whole month or year. It’s important to know your learners to determine the most appropriate/effective format for them to use. When we think of the importance of building trusted relationships, calendars are a large part of that. Calendars provide trust and security in knowing what is happening next (now and in the future). Calendars help learners prepare for what is happening next. It gives them ownership and confidence in their lives through being able to prepare themselves for what happens next or what will be happening in the distant future.
It’s important to note that calendars are not just for knowing what’s happening next. They are also segways to communication opportunities. It is important to note that calendar systems are not meant to replace communication systems. They are created in addition to communication systems. As you create an appropriate calendar system for your student, it’s important to know your learner, what accommodations he/she needs, and how you will design a schedule to pair with the classroom routines. You must determine how your student understands time. You must also determine their preferences.
Are you interested in learning more about calendars? Check out the Open Hands Open Access module about calendar systems. https://www.nationaldb.org/products/modules/ohoa/calendars/
Also, check out information from Paths to Literacy at https://www.pathstoliteracy.org/object-communication-and-calendar-systems/
Do you use a calendar system with your learner with DeafBlindness? Please share your example in the comments section below!
Julie Brickhouse, MAEd, NBCT
ECU TSP Technical Consultant