!["Seeing" a New Perspective]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726762398/oakhillday/keswi0y6rpqjegrkint9/alphapointe-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1726762398/oakhillday/keswi0y6rpqjegrkint9/alphapointe-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1726762398/oakhillday/keswi0y6rpqjegrkint9/alphapointe-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1726762398/oakhillday/keswi0y6rpqjegrkint9/alphapointe-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1726762398/oakhillday/keswi0y6rpqjegrkint9/alphapointe-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1726762398/oakhillday/keswi0y6rpqjegrkint9/alphapointe-4.jpg","width":2200}])
Recently, 8th graders in the Global Thread class had a visitor: Howard LaRue with Alphapointe.
Alphapointe is a local organization which provides services and support for those with visual impairments and blindness. Individuals are served by Alphapointe either through the Rehabilitation services or through Manufacturing services.
Mr. LaRue shared information about Alphapointe, adaptive technologies, and life with visual impairments and blindness. Then, students got to experience some of what they learned!
First, Mr. LaRue explained how to be a successful Sighted guide for someone. Allow the person to place their hand on either your right or left elbow, and explain what is coming ahead. Turns are indicated by pulling the elbow in or out (or turning the shoulder a bit), and explaining where stairs, railings or curbs might be.
Students practiced this and after a few minutes everyone was headed in the right direction. One student exclaimed, "THIS WAS NOT WHERE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO END UP".
Then, students put on simulation goggles. These goggles represent the numerous different types of visual impairments or blindness that exist. Students were surprised by the variety of sight impairments!
Students will continue to learn more about Alphapointe, as well as about the lived experiences of people with different abilities, cultures, backgrounds, and more!