Conversations: A Personal Reflection About Deafblindness

Barbara Miles, a well-known author and lecturer, discusses the methodology of conversations in connecting and learning with students who are deafblind. Miles encourages people to duplicate the successful elements of their interactions with others and make them accessible to those with limited vision and hearing. She also suggests other strategies for making a conversational connection with those who cannot see or hear. Chapters: 1 — Conversations: Connecting and Learning with Persons Who Are Deafblind; 2 — The Social Challenge Presented by Limited Vision & Hearing; 3 — The Importance of Establishing Relationship As the Basis of Learning; 4 — Conversation As the Basis for Relationship and Language; 5 — The Elements of a Good Conversation: Respect and Equality; 6 — The Elements Of a Good Conversation: Mutual Topics or Joint Attention; 7 — The Elements of a Good Conversation: Turn-Taking; 8 — The Elements Of a Good Conversation: The Mutual Feeling of Being Heard by One's Partner; 9 — The Elements Of a Good Conversation: Openness to Surprise and Mutual Learning; 10 — Conversations in Educational Programs ; 11 — Further Resources and Encouragement.