www.theredballoonfoundation.org.za)

June 18, 2024

Christine Roman Lantzy, Ph.D.

Director, Pediatric VIEW Program, The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh

Day #2 of the CVI workshop.

I was impressed to see everyone returned. But I should not be surprised, this is a group of thoughtful, insightful professionals. Despite the AM traffic rush (with or without working traffic signals), most of the participants were present before I showed up to the conference room. We opened with questions regarding the day #1 content and there were many excellent insights and queries.

(Ready but “chilly”) (The constant blue sky)

The focus of the day was The CVI Range. We began with an overview and then dove into video examples of parent interview and observation of a child with CVI. Lindsay and I worked together to help guide the activity of aligning video information with CVI characteristics. Participants formed into groups and found agreement regarding the meaning of parent responses and child behaviors derived from the CVI Range Parent Interview and Observation protocol. Results were reported and I felt very proud of the accuracy of this initial attempt with The CVI Range.

(Working through The CVI Range)

Here in South Africa, there is no special education mandate. Children with disabilities are not protected by a law that ensures a free, appropriate education. They are not protected by constructs of least restrictive educational environment. I will learn more but it seems as though the distribution of special services is a combination of private therapies, charitable centers, and home programs. I think those of us in the U.S. who at times feel frustration with the educational system. We must at least occasionally reflect on the gift of I.D.E.A. and the inherent protections afforded by this law.

I increased my cultural learning today. I have mistakenly been asking for Kleenex for a few days. Since my request has been met with confused looks and shrugged shoulders, I assumed people must be immune from the common cold. But then I saw a semi-familiar product on Antoinette’s table and voila, Wallet Tissues! Of course, silly Christine. Now I know. I look forward to learning more about South Africa each day but I very much doubt I will be able to discriminate the use of any of the 11 official languages here. Even the English language at times for me, requires a bit of translation.

(Wallet Tissues…don’t call it Kleenex)

CVI Workshop 2024 Agenda Week 1

CVI Workshop 2024 Agenda Week 2