Radboud Sensis program for language, speech, and communication in children with visual impairment

Abstract

The Radboud Sensis program is intended to promote language, speech, and communication in children with visual impairments and their caregivers. Starting-point has been that such an intervention program can be a useful tool, not only for language and communication itself, but also for attachment, social and cognitive development. The program is directed at caregivers of children with visual impairment or blindness until 5 years of age. Goal is to improve their skills and knowledge. The program consists of verbal and written information, exercises, and homework. Topics are: basic communication skills, recognizing (pre)intentional behavior; adapting to child's developmental level and interest, communicating about emotions and affect; choosing communication subjects; using adequate referential language; and asking good questions. The development of the instrument is described as well as the results of a field test with four families. The field test concerned procedural issues and satisfaction. The times needed to prepare and conduct the program and homework was as expected and proved not to be a burden for the parents. Parents were satisfied with the program's content but requested more examples of best practice and some extra exercises. Basic communication skills and recognizing (pre)intentional behavior were rated as most important, adapting to life experiences and developmental level as least important. However video recordings showed that parents miss opportunities to perform the latter.