SPARKLE
Project SPARKLE
Project SPARKLE is a program of individualized learning that enhances the
ability of parents of children who are deafblind to fulfill their roles in the
development and education of their children. Through Project SPARKLE, parents will have access to information, training,
and resources in their
homes via DVD technology and the Internet.
The SPARKLE training program is provided to parents utilizing DVD technology
and supported with a Parent Guidebook and the SPARKLE website.
The training program focuses on:
- deafblindness
- vision
- hearing
- touch
- concept development
- intervention
- communication
The child profile is a database program which supports the family in collecting
data and information specific to their child. Parents use what they have learned
and develop a profile unique to their child. They can then share this
profile with the educational team, service providers, medical personnel, and
others.
The SPARKLE website has a Family Room component where parents can access an
evolving
collection of family stories for inspiration and support. It also had a
section entitled "R Kids" that highlights individual children and celebrates
their abilities.
Project SPARKLE also provides a Listserv where parents can interact with each other to share ideas, information, and encouragement. The listserv has deafblind topics for ongoing discussion.
Each participating state has a State Facilitator who can provide guidance,
support, and resources to families as appropriate.
The SPARKLE website has a unique video library where parents can watch presentations by professionals in deafblindness from their home computers. It also contains a glossary of terms and a resource section containing links to related websites.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the following Project SPARKLE
Consultants. We appreciate their ongoing assistance and support:
- Barbara
McLetchie - Educational Consultant
Teacher Preparation in Deafblindness; Boston College - Marianne
Riggio - Educational Consultant
Hilton Perkins Program - Ralph
Warner - Parent Consultant
President, National Resource Center for Deafblindness