Newsletter of RIDBC Renwick Centre Rydge family Library

InsideInfo

books, contact the library for a postal loan (free for RIDBC parents).This issue of Inside Info includes new book information, book reviews, a research roundup, new and interesting items found on the web, an RIDBC word find and a bit of Halloween fun.

Best wishes

Rydge Family LibraryNewsletter of RIDBC Renwick Centre Rydge Family Library, October 2012

The Spring Issue 2012

Julie, Marijana and Jason

Tidying the library shelves this week we came across many hidden treasures in the collection. Books on orientation and mobility, Deaf history, biographies of people living with sensory disability, Braille literacy, special education, sign language dictionaries, items from specialist publishers both here and overseas.Of course, all the library items can be found on NEWCAT, the library catalogue hosted by the University of Newcastle http://library.newcastle.edu.au/. When you search, remember to use the drop-down box to limit your search to RENWICK. This will allow you to identify the items in the RIDBC Renwick Centre Rydge Family Library. If you can’t visit us to borrow

“Whats your favourite Children’s book?”

We asked Professor Greg Leigh, Renwick Centre Director

There is so much wonderful children’s literature to choose from and so many happy memories that go with each title. This book ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ by C. S. Lewis, holds particularly fond memories for me. I read

the book with my daughters across the days of a lazy holiday in Cairns. They would have been only about 4 and 6 at the time and each day we would read some more while we swung in the hammock in the cool of the veranda.

There is a magical quality to C. S. Lewis’ writing that has stood the test of time. It continues to delight new generations of children, as much as it delights the adults that get to share it with them. The girls each went on to read the book again themselves, as well as most of the other Chronicles of Narnia, and ultimately (of course) to see the movie. However, there is nothing quite like the shared experience of reading a magical tale together.

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New Books

Beyond baby talk: from speaking to spelling: a guide to language and literacy development for parents and caregiversby Kenn Apel and Julie Mastertonsponsored by the American Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationThree Rivers Press, 2012.RENWICK 372.6 APEL 2012

This revised and updated edition of a very helpful book on language development impresses that we should consider a “child’s early years as windows of opportunity.”p.2Renwick Centre’s Dr Robyn Cantle Moore elaborates:

What is it like to be Blind? by Deborah Kent Enslow Publishers, 2012. RENWICK 813.6 KENT

“Spoken language is not just understanding and saying words; it is how we socialise and learn. It is the

window to a child’s personality, thoughts and dreams.”

What is it like to be Deaf? by Deborah Kent Enslow Publishers, 2012. RENWICK 813.64 KENT

These two books in the Enslow Publishers series “Overcoming Barriers” provide positive and upbeat stories about real children with sensory impairments and the way they live their lives. Topics covered include: braille, sign language, assistive technologies, orientation and mobility, school and family life, learning, participation in sport and the arts. Written for a primary school audience, both with a helpful glossary of terms, these books will be useful to share with anyone wanting a quick overview of active children living with hearing or vision impairment. [Julie]

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Bully blocking : six secrets to help children deal with teasing and bullyingby Evelyn M. FieldLane Cove, N.S.W. : Finch Publishing, 2007RENWICK 302.34 FIEL

The deaf child in a hearing family : nurturing development by Arthur Boothroyd and Janice GattyPlural Publishing, 2012RENWICK 362.420832 BOOT

Sing and sign with me : an interactive sing and sign book combining favourite nursery rhymes, melodies and hand signs (Auslan) by Aileen RyanAileen Ryan, 2004RENWICK Q371.912487 RYAN

I’m starting to walk - I can use a cane!: Introducing orientation and mobility skills to very young children who are blind or have low vision by Bronwen ScottBronwen Scott, 2012.RENWICK 362.4183 SCOT

“Bronwen Scott is an orientation and mobility (O&M) instructor with over 20 years of experience and

currently working in Melbourne. Bronwen has self-published this 29-page booklet describing her approaches to teaching O&M and cane skills to young children during the childhood

and the preschool years. O&M techniques are clearly explained and supported with case studies and photos, and a Q&A section addresses commonly-asked O&M questions. Bronwen Scott’s

booklet is recommended for early childhood educators, parents and O&M professionals working with young

children and families in home and community settings. “

Dr Frances GentleLecturer in Vision Impairment &

Pacific Chairperson, ICEVIRIDBC Renwick Centre

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She Doesn’t Look Deaf by Corinne Cheatham is a heart-warming tale of a mother’s love for her deaf daughter, Aaliyah, and her struggles and experiences dealing with her daughter’s hearing impairment. We go on a journey of her life, from when Aaliyah was born and dealing with the diagnosis that her daughter is deaf, to her acceptance and her determination to find the

best possible options in life for her child. We see Corinne’s fight for her daughter’s right to a good education, just like any other child, and fighting discrimination against her disability. Corinne explores all avenues possible to make sure her daughter has the best life possible, from getting speech therapy lessons, finding the best possible schools, and getting an expensive cochlear implant so that she can experience noise and sound. Aaliyah is seen as a happy, sociable and loving child, and it seems she comes from a loving and supportive family. She also performed the National Anthem at a football game by signing. reviewed by Elizabeth Woo

Book Reviews

Calm kids : help children relax with mindful activitiesby Lorraine E. MurrayFloris Books, 2012.RENWICK 158.12083 MURR

A moment’s peace: a mom’s guide to creating calm amidst chaosby Elizabeth IrvineBright Sky Press, 2010.RENWICK 613.792 IRVI

Therapeutic storytelling : 101 healing stories for childrenby Susan PerrowHawthorn Press, 2012RENWICK 615.8516 PERR

She Doesn’t Look Deaf by Corinne CheathamMetier Books, 2005 RENWICK 649.1512 CHEA

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The most common reason for children to have severe vision impairment or blindness is cortical vision impairment.

Find out more at the Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register http://vifamilynetwork.org.au/

Did you know?

Thunder dog : the true story of a blind man, his guide dog, and the triumph of trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory.Thomas Nelson, 2011.RENWICK 974.71044092 HING

The September 11 attacks showed humanity at its most violent and malignant. However it also showed us at our most altruistic under terrible circumstances. This story explores our positive side, through the narration of Michael Hingson who was working at the World Trade Centre during the attack. What makes Michael’s tale so extraordinary, is that he has been blind since birth.

In vivid detail, Hingson tracks the events of September 11th, including the morning before the attack, which not surprisingly, starts off no different than any other work day. This sets up a realistic scene, and makes the events to come more profound for the reader. We share every smell of jet fuel, and every laboured breath, as Michael escapes, with the help of Roselle his guide dog, the story’s second main character.

Many people may feel this event has been explored enough, but this book shows how a personal account can bring an intimacy lacking in news reports or in a few seconds of footage. But ‘Thunderdog’ is much more than a story about 9/11. The author cleverly interweaves the events of 9/11 with his life story. Some readers may enjoy these digressions more than others, but the expositions are, for most part, fascinating and insightful. Indeed, this is more a biography than a book about 9/11. Along the way we learn a lot about this ingenious and successful protagonist who drives his Ford Mustang at college, and who uses a GPS system to fly a plane across Idaho. One of the book’s key themes is how technology helps blind people to cross barriers. For Hingson, blindness isn’t a disability, but a challenge. Another important message the author makes is how little his ‘blindness’ constitutes his identity. Michael reminds us that blindness does not impair his intelligence or his ability to make loving relationships, and nor does it stop him living a life full of experience and achievement. His story proves this very philosophy. reviewed by Jason Morgan

The Australian Childhood

Vision Impairment Register

Research Rounduphttp://www.news.uwa.edu.au/201210045060/research/vitamin-b-crucial-childrens-mental-healthA new study has uncovered a significant link between vitamin B levels and the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.

http://scinews.com.au/releases/711/viewScientists from Australia’s Vision Centre have demonstrated a quick, accurate test under lights for one of the world’s leading causes of blindness, AMD.

http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2012/09/25/3597454.htm?WT.svl=healthscience5Nanotechnology - manipulating tiny particles to carry drugs targeting damaged cells in the human body - could revolutionise healthcare in the future, says Professor Frank Caruso.

http://www.a-star.edu.sg/?TabId=828&articleType=ArticleView&articleId=1703Singapore scientists have identified three new genes associated with Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG).

http://www.arvo.org/About_ARVO/Press_Room/New_study_links_caffeinated_coffee_to_vision_loss/ According to a scientific paper in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, heavy caffeinated coffee consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing exfoliation glaucoma.

http://www.nih.gov/news/health/jul2012/nidcd-10.htmPeople who are born deaf process the sense of touch differently than people who are born with normal hearing, according to research funding by the National Institutes of Health. The finding reveals how the early loss of a sense — in this case hearing — affects brain development.

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/06/26/simple-test-guesswork-autism/15917/In what could open the door to earlier autism diagnosis, researchers say that they can reliably pinpoint who does and does not have the disorder using a readily-available test.

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Auslan AnywhereA fun game for the Nintendo DS game console. The game is a simple “hunt and find” activity inside a labyrinth. Almost 500 signs -- the basic building blocks of the Auslan vocabulary - can be learnt in Auslan Anywhere through real time video. This is an exciting first for the Nintendo DS!

You and your children will have fun learning a wide range of signs useful in your daily interactions. The best thing is you can do it anywhere!

The development of this product has been proudly sponsored by the Telematics Trust over the past two and half years.This product will be available for purchase from DCA’s Reception/Online shop from late September at the special introductory price of $29.95. All enquiries to Neil Ray at neil.ray@deafchildren.org.au

http://www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/AuslanAnywhere_Flyer%2001.pdf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAT_2P8hENw&feature=youtu.be

What is Orientation and Mobility ? by Dr Mike Steer

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) is about knowing where you are so that you can get where you want to go and travel there safely. O&M skills are essential for the majority of people who are blind or vision impaired. O&M Specialists offer training in the use of mobility aids, orientation to the environment, realistic assessment of limitations, vision education and development of sensory awareness to those of all ages who need these skills.

RIDBC has for many years worked in close partnership with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT in

the provision of postgraduate and continuing education programs for O&M specialists, and others seeking the latest knowledge and skills in this specialist area.

Since 2008, both agencies have collaborated to produce The International Journal of Orientation & Mobility (IJOM). IJOM is a peer-reviewed journal that explores issues and contributes new knowledge to the field of Orientation & Mobility (O&M) including Guide Dog Mobility. The journal seeks to strengthen dialog within the O&M field around the world and to facilitate communication among instructors and service providers from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

The journal editors, both of whom are RIDBC Renwick Centre faculty members, aim at publishing qualitative and quantitative research articles and analyses, essays, conceptual papers, historical commentaries, comprehensive reviews, case studies, policy analyses, and innovative practice reports and evaluations on a wide variety of issues and topics related to the O&M of people with vision impairment. The Editors also aim at providing a forum for discourse, debate and critical analyses on any aspect of O&M, for example, existing philosophies, policy or practice. Their work is supported by an editorial panel of seven of the most distinguished O&M professional internationally.

In 2012-3, IJOM will appear in print and online. To date subscriptions have been free to Australian residents, but carry a cost for overseas subscribers. The journal was showcased at the 2012 International Mobility Conference in New Zealand and received a great deal of positive attention from the several hundred international delegates who attended.

All manuscripts submitted to the IJOM are subject to a masked or blind review process to ensure their quality and maintain a high standard. The categories currently available for publication include reports of original research, practice reports and commentaries. Further details can be found via the IJOM homepage http://www.ijorientationandmobility.com where there is also a Guidelines for Contributors link. Manuscripts are accepted for publication with the understanding that they have not been published elsewhere.

The International Journal of Orientation and Mobility is available in the RIDBC Renwick Centre Rydge Family Library.

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On the web

Australian Hearing factsheetCommon questions parents ask about hearing aids http://www.hearing.com.au/digitalAssets/12692_1324423820833_common-questions.pdf

Genetics Home ReferenceGenetics Home Reference provides consumer-friendly information about the effects of genetic variations on human health.http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/

Good books for girlsThe world’s largest collection of books and movies for smart, confident, and courageous girls.www.amightygirl.com/

Wally is 25 years old!Chock-full of visual puns, ocular trickery and fiendishly complex optical puzzles, the Where’s Wally? books by Martin Handford celebrate 25 years with a downloadable activity pack and colouring sheets.http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Kids-corner/Wheres-Wally

Giggle kids games Fun and games, laughs and reading with Australian author Jeanette Rowe.http://www.jeannetterowe.com.au

Held back: the experiences of students with disabilities in Victorian schoolsThis research report gathers information about the issues and challenges experienced by students with disabilities in the Victorian school system and identifies potential solutions, consistent with Victoria’s equal opportunity and human rights framework, to improve access to education for students with disabilities. http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1754:held-back-the-experiences-of-students-with-disabilities-in-victorian-schools-sep-2012&Itemid=690

Bullying in a Networked Era: A Literature ReviewThis research update presents an aggregation and summary of recent academic literature on youth bullying. The purpose of this document is to “translate” scholarly research for a concerned public audience, which may include but is not limited to parents, caregivers, educators, and practitioners.http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2146877

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Unbound MEDLINE PubMed, Journals, and Grapherence™ AccessBy Unbound Medicine, Inc.FREE, native app access to MEDLINE/PubMed, full-text journals http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/unbound-medline-pubmed-journals/id554157746?mt=8

ShowMe Interactive WhiteboardBy EaselTurn your iPad into your personal interactive whiteboard! ShowMe allows you to record voice-over whiteboard tutorials and share them online. FREEhttp://itunes.apple.com/us/app/showme-interactive-whiteboardid445066279?mt=8

Tap to talkBy Assistyx LLCThis TapToTalk turns an iPhone™, iPad™ or iPod touch® into an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The free TapToTalk™ app comes with a fully functional album that you can use with your non-verbal child. If you want to create albums that are individualized to meet the specific needs of your child, visit the TapToTalk web site (www.taptotalk.com).http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/taptotalk/id367083194?mt=8

Apps for everyone!Madagascar 3 Wig Outby DreamWorks Animation S.K.G.The Zoosters of Madagascar 3 invite you to join the afro circus with a virtual rainbow wig! Upload or take a photo with you, your friends and your favorite Zoosters, then customize the wig to match the size of each head perfectly. Share your #MADWigOut photo on Facebook/Twitter and post your afro circus photo on Instagram for the most colorful look in your social network! FREEhttp://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mad-wig-out/id525137708?mt=8

Alphabet SongBy Oscar’s AppsHelp your young child to learn the alphabet with Oscar in an Aussie accent. This app is fun, interactive and engaging. Simply pop the balloons and sing along with the alphabet song we all know and love. $0.99http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/alphabet-song/id402173990?mt=8

Relax CompletelyBy Darren MarksA fantastic hypnosis session for deep relaxation by one of the UK’s leading hypnotherapists and trainers. Includes beautiful animated backgrounds, video interviews, relaxation tips and weblinks. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/relax-completely/id342563231?mt=8

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The Witch HouseThere’s a witch house in my village

I’ve seen it through the trees

It’s drab olive green in colour…makes me tremble in my knees.

It has two tall brick chimneys,and a diamond-patterned roof of slate;

It bothers me so, each time I goOn school days I’m often late!

I walk past singing cheerful songsTo keep fears from my head

But often at night I remember itWhen I’m tucked up safe in bed.

Julie Thorndyke

Just for fun

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RIDBC Find-a-wordTake a break and get the kids together to complete this word challenge. There are 54 words to find in the grid below, see how fast you can do it. Just for fun you can post your times on the renwick library facebook page (RIDBC Renwick Centre Library) and compare your results!

h e l p e r g r o w t h o t s u p p o r t b a s h o rn l e s P r v o l u n t e e r c o c h l e a r e s m bd e a f a A s p o n s o r s h i p r r a a b g r c l eo t r t t u r e a d i e c b s A p a m n c y r v h s ti h n c t s t e l e s c h o o l i f e g h b o i o p to e o e i t i n e r a n t y o i r v h u e s w c o i ee r T h s r p r e s c h o o l c c i G a r f i e l d rr a h a o a B e t t e r i d g e h s w g o a n s i s lo p o p n l a a w a r e n e s s i i s e y m g e s p sr i m p a i r m e n t e c h n o l o g y a i i o t h pa s a y h a w e c d a y b l i n d n i e l l r i e s el t s p e c i a l i s e d n p a r e n t s i l e n l ae B t a l k c r i n s t i t u t e d k g r e n w i c ke c r e p s k c o g n i t i o n n h s e n s o r y e t

royal institute cochlear listenlearngrowingbabyitinerantpreschoolgrowthsensoryrural

blind children parentshelp eye betterrenwick Alice Australiavisioned Thomas specialisedschool Garfield familiesread talk lifespeak therapist understandingdo happy supportboy girl deafhelper volunteer teacherawareness teleschool earlanguage cognition Betteridgeservices sponsorship Pattisonimpairment technology Barwick

Words to find

Street addressRIDBC Renwick Centre, Rydge Family Library361-365 North Rocks RdNorth Rocks NSW 2151Australia

Email: renwick.library@ridbc.org.auWeb: www.ridbc.org.au/renwick/library/Telephone: +61 (0)2 9872 0285 Fax: +61 (0)2 9872 0809

Contact the libraryPostal addressRIDBC Renwick Centre, Rydge Family LibraryPrivate Bag 29Parramatta NSW 2124Australia

renwicklibrary

RIDBC Renwick Centre Library

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Now on Display...

Each year, the RIDBC Renwick Students completing the literacy course are required to produce a tactile map and story book in braille for students in the early years of schooling.

This year’s braille books and maps are visually and tactually appealing and should prove popular with braille learners, parents and teachers. The books and maps will become valuable resources for our graduating Renwick students when they enter the professional field of vision impairment.

Braille Books & Tactile Maps

Just in time for Halloween, a tactile version of Meg and Mog is on display.

Spooky Halloween handFrom Perkins School for the Blind, this simple Halloween-themed activity is a motivating hands-on activity that can be used to teach basic concepts, functional hand skills and introduction to a microwave.http://www.perkins.org/resources/cindys-corner/spooky-halloween-hand.html