Moniqua Gallop

Confidence…we all need it to feel successful in life. When we feel comfortable with a task, we are more likely to initiate the completion of the task and feel that we know what we are doing. When learning a new task or routine, we observe and practice carrying out the steps. Many learners with DeafBlindness … Read more

Collaboration. It simply means we are better together. So many things are more effective and successful when they are done with individuals who work together, share ideas, and get the job done. Together Everyone Achieves More, it’s the TEAM approach. When school/home environments create a team to support learners with DeafBlindness, the learner can accomplish … Read more

Being included in social situations is vitally important to increasing social and communication skills for learners with DeafBlindness. It’s important to differentiate between being present and being involved in social situations and to recognize the level of involvement. Do they have a role that is valued within the social setting? Do other members value them … Read more

Routines. We need them. We want them. We don’t realize how much we need them until they are not there. Just think how you feel after a few days of being stuck in the house with no routine. More than likely, you are ready to get back on track with your regular schedule. If you … Read more

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 … Read more

Building relationships takes time to experience communication and gain trust in one another.  For learners with DeafBlindness, the need for building these experiences is significant. Trust occurs through consistent interactions over time for learners with DeafBlindness. The most important component for creating communication opportunities is knowing your learner. You have to know what they can … Read more

We all have things we like and things we don’t like. At the risk of sounding old, I like watching old Columbo reruns. I’ve seen the episodes multiple times and still enjoy them all. I don’t like old cowboy TV shows but my husband loves watching them. They are just an invitation to fall asleep … Read more

Recently, I did a presentation for the NC Beginnings Parent Educators about services available for learners with DeafBlindness and I happened to mention the iCanConnect DeafBlind Equipment Distribution Program. Immediately several of the parent educators asked me to stop and explain what this program was! iCanConnect is a federal program administered locally in all 50 … Read more

Several Early Intervention teachers have told me that they would like to know more about how to use the results they get on the Communication Matrix Assessment to plan for the next communication steps for their students and develop activities to reach those targets. After you have completed the Communication Matrix and received input from … Read more