#138 - Literacy Instruction & Physical Disabilities: Casting a Vision for Doubters

Is there a part of you doubting literacy is truly possible for ALL learners regardless of degree of disability? Or, perhaps you are on the other side of the ring trying to convince others that lacking the ability to see, or move extremities, or speak does not exclude literacy possibilities. This conversation addresses common belief barriers and removes them with a new vision from an educator who has experienced the truth that literacy is truly possible for ALL. About the Guest: Dr. Caroline Musselwhite Dr. Caroline Musselwhite is an assistive technology specialist with more than 45 years of experience working with children and adolescents with significant disabilities in a variety of settings, including Head Start, clinics, developmental day programs, homes, and the public schools. Dr. Musselwhite has written a number of textbooks and “how-to” books on a range of topics, and has also authored many books and software programs for youth with disabilities. She has presented thousands of workshops throughout North and South America, Australia, Europe, and Africa, and is a founding member and Fellow of the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Honors include: Foundation Fellowship (West Virginia University), Educator of the Year (ARC, North Carolina), Honors of the Association, (North Carolina Augmentative Communication Association), and DiCarlo Outstanding Clinician Award (North Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association), and ISAAC Fellow. Links to Mentioned Content: Dr. Musselwhite’s website is filled with information, tips, and tricks, including how to make the page fluffers she mentioned. Dr. Musselwhite’s Teacher Pay Teachers store where you can download a variety of customized and original educational materials. The internet is heavily populated with many of Dr. Musselwhite’s webinars. A google search of her name will direct you to dozens of clips. Literacy for All in Canada Comprehensive Literacy for All book by Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver Readtopia Episode 50 of the LOMAH Podcast about self determination strategies with complex communication users with Erin Sheldon   This episode is part of a 15 episode series in season 5 focusing on literacy instruction for students with significant disabilities.