Abstract

The aim of this investigation is twofold: (1) to explore best practices with regards to teaching autistic and blind students in formal and informal learning environments (2) to create a practical guide for individuals who work with this target population. As a production and evaluation thesis equivalent, the methodology utilized for the data collection and evaluation is based on an action research model in which I collaborated with experts and practitioners in the field to acquire better knowledge and understanding of what techniques and strategies work best in teaching children that are multi-impaired. Employing an interactive/iterative approach, I used a combination of the initial questionnaire, interviews and literature searches to provide the content for the creation of a practical manual for field workers. This manual is comprised of a compilation of teaching techniques and strategies obtained from the data collected as well as examples of best practices as identified by those professionals who provided feedback. In the first phase of developing the manual, data were gathered and analyzed and a first draft was completed. An evaluation was then undertaken with experts in the field as well as others working with this population to review it and point out any inconsistent/missing information, lack of coherence, or problems with regards to how information was presented. These comments were then incorporated into a revised text that was submitted, once again, to experts in the field for a final summative evaluation in English and its multiple translations (French, Spanish, Quechua). The final edited manual will be published in the form of a practical guide that will be made available to professionals, volunteers and parents.