How do I determine which types of sensory input (visual, auditory, tactile) provide the most useful information to a nonverbal child who has low vision and has other disabilities?
Carefully observe the child s response to various sensory input in different situations to see how the child responds and what he or she seems to understand. Although a child has some vision and hearing, he or she may benefit from tactile input at specific times (e.g., if the environment is dark or noisy). Some children s ability to use vision may vary according to the their level of alertness, health, and the context (e.g., children with cortical visual impairment). A child may need to use touch to help confirm or clarify what he or she sees. It is helpful to collect data on the child s responses to different modes of sensory input in various situations. Also, functional vision and hearing assessments should be used to determine how the child is using these senses.
