Instructional strategies to support shared reading with learners who are deafblind

Abstract

The field of deafblindness has developed evidence-based practices in communication development and intervention, but very little research has been published on literacy. This study examined the survey responses of 84 participants from 25 states, and 10 follow-up interviews to learn more about emerging instructional ideas specific to shared story reading, also known as interactive reading. The thematic analysis resulted in eight themes and associated instructional strategies. Attentional and engagement strategies included unique considerations due to the impact of deafblindness on accessibility and meaning-making. Teachers, interveners, and parents used practices grounded in both the child-guided approach and systematic instructional approach. They shared vocabulary acquisition strategies, pointing to the link between vocabulary and comprehension. Drawing and writing strategies were used to create text and in extension activities. Touch and tactile strategies were used in preparing materials and during shared reading sessions. Participants applied a variety of comprehension strategies including repetition, prediction, and questioning. Across the survey and interview responses, it was evident that participants understood the role of integrating individually appropriate receptive and expressive communication modes/forms in shared reading activities.