#VD-2001 CD-ROM Child-guided Strategies for Assessing Children who are Deafblind or have Multiple Disabilities

by Nelson, Catherine; van Dijk, Jan, Dr.

Through the use of over 40 video clips, this interactive CD-ROM demonstrates strategies for determining how best to teach children who are deaf-blind or have multiple disabilities. Users are asked to answer several series of questions pertaining to the video clips. The answers are then discussed along with options for obtaining more information. Comprehensive assessments of two children follow the interactive overview. Using an interactive question and answer format, the viewer can design an individualized education program for the two children. The CD-ROM also contains an index of terms pertaining to deaf-blindness and multiple disabilities. Each term is defined, explained in depth, and illustrated by video clips. In addition to a comprehensive printed article detailing the assessment process, 12 full text articles by Dr. van Dijk and colleagues are included. The publications provide insight into how Dr. van Dijk views the assessment and education of children with deaf blindness and/or multiple disabilities. There is no publication date on the CD-ROM, but it became available in 2001. The CD is now available in Spanish.

# VD-2002  CD-ROM: Living with CHARGE  Assessment, Prevention, and Intervention of Challenging Behavior

Authors, Dr. Jan van Dijk, Ph.D (prof.emit) and Arno de Kort M.D.  

The key-note speakers at an International Conference on Charge Syndrome in 2003 were  Dr Jan van Dijk and Arno de Kort , MD who produced an interactive CD on behavior problems, often associated with CHARGE Syndrome. The CD begins with a short video explaining the medical background of CHARGE. The problems children with CHARGE Syndrome manifest are diverse.  The authors tried to the area, by discussing 4 “Chargers” of different ages (15 months to 12 years) who exhibit stereotypical behavior, non-compliance, aggression and/or self-injury. The use of Cochlear Implants in order to prevent problem behaviors in some children with Charge is well documented on this cd-rom. Through the use of video clips, challenging behaviors are shown as well as the reactions of the service providers. By means of questions and answers, the viewer is taken through the process of analyzing these behaviors. The analysis leads to very clear recommendations for prevention and intervention. It includes a glossary in which the main concepts are defined and the most up to date literature listed.  Dr. Van Dijk, who has an experience of more than 40 years with children with multiple sensory impairments explains and demonstrates his special way how the quality of life for of this vulnerable group of children can be improved.

#VD-2003 CD-ROM: Contact: Understanding of specific interaction characteristics to build up reciprocal interaction with congenital deafblind persons

Authors: Dr. Marleen Janssen (Netherlands) Bernadette van de Tillaart (USA)Staff members of “Instituut voor Doven at Sint-Michielsgestel  

Individuals who must contend with dual sensory impairments or deafblindness from birth live exclusively in a world of proximity and touch.  Only through a solid base of good interaction can they develop feelings of security and competence. When the person who is deafblind and his or her interaction partner are able to attune their body language in such a way that they can share experiences and emotions, 'real contact' in the form of affective involvement can come into existence.

This contact is characterized by general interaction patterns, as well as deafblind specific interaction characteristics. Both the authors of this Interactive CD ROM refined their knowledge about this subject during the last several years. They developed an interaction model in which concepts such as opening and maintaining contact, initiative and confirmation, exchange of turns, proximity, attention, intensity and affective involvement are included. The model they developed can be used regardless of the age or communication level of the person who is deafblind. The model also can be used with individual with other multiple disabilities as is appropriate. 

Implementation of this knowledge requires complementary training and support of the interaction partners in the deafblind individual's life such as parents, caregivers and teachers.

#VD-2004  From Russia with Love and Care for Children with Multiple Disabilities and Challenging Behaviour

Authors Dr. jan van Dijk, Dr. Catherine Nelson and Dr. Ton van der Neer

This interactive CD-rom is the result of the cooperation between the authors and staff members of Children’s House at Sergiev Posad in the Russion Federation.  The behaviours of 6 children are analyzed through video and observation of target behaviours.  The model demonstrated is based on the Attachment Theory and Positive Behaviour Support.  There is a short interactive course on Positive Behaviour Support included.  The index includes current literature with links to relevant publications.