May 2015 Deaf/Blind Simulation

Welcome May!

Welcome Mother's Day!

As our Sibshoppers "trickled in", they completed one or two little

 gifts for their mothers in celebration of Mother's Day.

I don't think we have ever posted a photo of the next activity! We do this activity every session following our "trickle in." We welcome everyone, do some introductions and then go over the

 Rules and Expectations for our Sibshop. 

Our rules are 1.) Have Fun 2.) Be Nice 3.) Be Respectful and 4.) Keep It Confidential. 

Our consequences are 1.) A warning 2.) Take a break 3.) Say you're sorry.

We were so lucky to have Debbie, from the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind, come present to our group of Sibshoppers.  She leads a wonderful Deaf/Blind Simulation chock full of education, experience and discussion. Each Sibshopper gets the opportunity to act as a guide and as a person affected by Deaf/Blindness.  A set of earplugs, bandana, mask, and headphones help in simulating both hearing and vision loss.

The Sibshoppers lead one another through a variety of different activities including sitting, standing, walking, climbing, getting in an elevator, eating, having their hands and faces washed, going up and down stairs and all sorts of other things we normally do easily and take for granted.

The Sibshoppers are always anxious to share their opinions and experience doing the simulation. It is a great opportunity for them to reflect on the challenges their sibs and other people with special needs experience. They recognize feelings of insecurity, fear, confusion, and frustration.

 Thanks Debbie for volunteering with our group of grateful Sibshoppers!

Lunch was followed by an obstacle course and the creation of some
"Butterfly Baggies" with sweet treats.

See you in June!