Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed. cwcw132@comcast or cwheeler36@gmail Cell: 305-458-1905

1. Session Code: EDU-32 Session Title: “Creating Instructional Materials for Young Children with Severe Cognitive Delays” Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed. cwcw132@comcast.net or cwheeler36@gmail.com Cell: 305-458-1905 February 1, 2013, 4:00 PM-5:00 PM To all my session participants, thank you for attending and for taking the time to give me feedback. It was pleasure talking to so many of you! Cynthia Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

2. “Creating Instructional Materials for Young Children with Severe Cognitive Delays” I) Learning to Play and Playing to Learn The importance of “play” opportunities for young children with multiple disabilities and severe cognitive delays through manipulation of objects and sensory learning materials is as important as it is for their typical peers. Play impacts all areas of development. Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

3. Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

4. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Play gives children a chance to develop healthy bodies and muscle control. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT: Children come to learn, understand, and achieve intellectual success while playing and interacting with objects in their environment. CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT: Play gives children opportunities to exercise and express original thought. Maxim, G., The Very Young, Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1980. Copied from Miami-Dade County Public Schools Pre-K SPED on-line teacher’s handbook, Section H-4. M-DCPS Pre-K SPED website: prekese.dadeschools.net Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

5. “While play appears to evolve naturally in typically developing children, children with severe and profound disabilities must often be taught to play. Acquiring play skills is a complex process for children with severe and profound disabilities. Most of these children have significant developmental delays that make it difficult for them to learn play skills. Being able to independently select and create play activities may be impossible. These children often have many hours of idle, nonproductive time if they are not able to develop play skills.” Huetig, Carol, Dwan Bridges, and Andrea Woodson. “Play for children with severe and profound disabilities. Palaestra. 18.1 (Winter 2002): 30(7). Academic OneFile. Gale. Nova Southeastern University. 7 July 2008. Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

6. “Creating Instructional Materials for Young Children with Severe Cognitive Delays” • Adaptations to commercially-made learning materials can increase the meaningful play experiences for children with limited movement and delayed cognitive skills. Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

7. “Creating Instructional Materials for Young Children with Severe Cognitive Delays” • Toys which provide sensory learning experiences through minimal movement can • be constructed with inexpensive materials and with little time. Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

8. “Creating Instructional Materials for Young Children with Severe Cognitive Delays” IV) The basics of working with PVC pipe. Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

9. “Creating Instructional Materials for Young Children with Severe Cognitive Delays” • Let’s Make a Toy!! Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

10. “Creating Instructional Materials for Young Children with Severe Cognitive Delays” Facts About PVC PVC is the Thermoplastic – Polyvinyl Chloride PVC pipes are ten feet in length and come in various diameters, from ½ inch to 2 or 3 inches and up. There are several grades, including plumbing grade and furniture grade. PVC pipe also comes in various thicknesses – thin walled and thick walled (i.e., Schedule 40). These projects use the Schedule 40 plumbing grade PVC pipe. PVC PIPE IS CONSIDERED NONCOMBUSTIBLE, NONFLAMMABLE, AND NONTOXIC. ONLY IF BURNED AT VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES (700° F) WILL IT PUT OFF TOXIC GAS. Fittings are those materials that connect pieces of PVC pipe. These projects use one-inch elbows, tees, crosses, and caps. Once you push the pipe into the fittings, there is a very good hold. Sometimes it will be difficult to get the two apart and other times, they will work loose. When this happens, simple stick the pipe back into the fitting. To reinforce the union, tap the fitting with a hammer (not too hard or you will crack the fitting.) For a more permanent union, use PVC cement (regular, clear is fine) and follow the directions on the can. You MUST be in a well-ventilated area and you must have proper alignment of the fittings before cementing. PVC cement bonds in a matter of seconds. As an alternative to PVC cement, hot glue can be used and is very effective. Plumbing grade PVC pipe is not designed for weight bearing. Remember, it is a plastic and with pressure exerted in just the right place, it will snap. (So, no swing sets!!) All materials can be purchased at Home Depot or other home supply store. Cynthia A. Wheeler Providing Valuable Connections Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

11. “Creating Instructional Materials for Young Children with Severe Cognitive Delays” Cutting the Pipe Measure and mark the PVC pipe with a pencil. The pencil mark will be where you want to cut. Allow the pipe to rest in the groove of the PVC pipe cutter and line up the blade with the pencil mark. Using a ratchet motion (3-4 squeezes), cut the pipe. Tips on Using PVC Cement Always use PVC cement either outside or in a well-ventilated room. Apply the cement to the inside of the fitting (not to the PVC pipe.) Insert the pipe immediately, push firmly, and hold for 5-10 seconds. PVC cement sets very quickly! Cement small sections at a time, paying close attention to the position of the fittings. Cynthia A. Wheeler Providing Valuable Connections Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.

12. Thank you for attending this session • CEUs – Session Code: XXX-YY • More info at: www.atia.org/CEU • For ACVREP, AOTA and ASHA CEUs, hand in completed Attendance Forms to REGISTRATION DESK at the end of the conference. Please note there is a $15 fee for AOTA CEUs. • For general CEUs, apply online with The AAC Institute: www.aacinstitute.org • Session Evaluation • Please help us improve the quality of our conference by completing your session evaluation form. • Completed evaluation forms should be submitted as you exit or to staff at the registration desk. • Handouts • Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts • Handout link remains live for 3 months after the conference ends. Cynthia A. Wheeler, MS in Ed.