This online course provides an introductory level of training in Haptics focusing on the fundamentals of Haptics including definitions, history, practical implementation and specific signal formation and use. Haptics is a standardized system for providing and receiving visual and environmental information as well as personal reactions/social feedback via touch signals on the body.
The course is structured so learners can follow at a pace that is comfortable for them. Participants are encouraged to take the course with a partner or in a small group. This structure provides learners with the opportunity to practice the techniques on others and complete all of the suggested activities. While this is encouraged, it is not mandatory. Those who study the course alone will learn the foundations of Haptics and be able to practice techniques when they are out in the community. This Haptics course is suitable for both beginners or as a “refresher” course for those who have already completed a hands-on workshop or training through HKNC.
While it is not mandatory for completing the course, participants are encouraged to purchase the book, Haptic Communication, The American Edition of the Original Title Haptisk Kommunikasjon. This book version will serve as a reference and resource to learners as they practice their skills using Haptics in the community.
Throughout this training series, we use the term deaf-blind to refer to a diverse population of individuals with varying degrees of combined vision and hearing loss. Helen Keller National Center has historically followed the guidelines that the consumer organization, American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) established by using the term “deaf-blind.” Recently, AADB changed its use of the term to “DeafBlind.” HKNC is a federally funded agency authorized by the US Congress and, therefore, does not have the authority to change their use of the term deaf-blind to DeafBlind. HKNC recognizes the value behind the term DeafBlind, that each person’s experience is unique and includes much more than his or her vision and hearing loss. HKNC continues to align its philosophy and services with this meaning and recognizes the community’s preference for the term DeafBlind. HKNC continues to work with federal authorities to change the term from deaf-blind to DeafBlind.
At the completion of this course, individuals will be able to:
Employment
CRC CE Hours: 2.0
ACVREP CE Hours: 2.0
Introduction to DeafBlind
ACVREP CE Hours: 1