Book Review: Essential Elements in Early Intervention: Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities

Abstract

Essential Elements in Early Intervention: Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities, Second Edition. Deborah Chen, Editor. New York: AFB Press, 2014, 643 pp. Paperback, $59.95; e-book, $41.95; by online chapter, $10.95. Speaking as an experienced teacher of students who are visually impaired, program administrator, and early intervention practitioner, the evolution of the practice of early intervention from its early stages until its existence today is an important topic to examine for the promotion of best practices. I remember when vision stimulation was the term used to describe such activities as using colored lights or bright toys to increase visual interest and attention. There was a time when vision activities were not linked to other areas of child development and were certainly not related to functional activities or family life. The individual family service plan, as it is known in some U.S. states, did not always provide a framework for parent and interventionist interaction. Little attention was given to carrying activities over into the home, and there was no notion that communication between interventionists might be important. Without a complete picture of the whole child with sensory impairments, additional disabilities, or both, everyone was at a disadvantage, and children did not receive maximum benefits from their therapy sessions. When Essential Elements in Early Intervention was first published, it established a framework of useful information to support teachers and interventionists in their work with young children and their families, and it continues to do so today. In the second addition, editor Deborah Chen expands on the current philosophy of early intervention: that parents and families need to be involved in the educational process for their children with visual impairments (that is blindness or low vision), hearing impairments, as well as those with additional disabilities. ORGANIZATION The book is organized in such a way that it serves as an accessible reference and guide for both new and experienced interventionists. Each chapter stands on its own and can be used separately. New vision and hearing interventionists will also find this book extremely helpful, both as a reference and as an activity guide. All rehabilitation therapists will, in addition, gain information on clinical tests and assessments from this text. Books such as Coaching Families and Colleagues in Early Childhood (Hanft, Rush, & Shelden, 2004) outline the general practice of coaching and supporting families in their interactions with children. In contrast, however, Chen provides clear examples of how to incorporate vision- and hearing-related tasks into family routines. Although I will focus this review on the book's hearing and vision aspects, Chen also provides information on communication and sensory integration in order to promote the child's overall learning and development. EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES Essential Elements provides a comprehensive review of effective early intervention strategies and evidence-based practices that are supported by extensive current research. Although several studies have examined early intervention practices, Chen acknowledges that much of the research in early intervention is still based on case studies and qualitative analyses. Chen lists studies that examine the benefits of early intervention practices. She also recognizes that there is still considerable debate over the efficacy of center-based and home-based early intervention models. Chen points out that there are benefits to each model, and she suggests that the family and interventionist choose which model will best meet the unique needs of the child and family. Although federal mandates in the United States currently dictate that early intervention be best carried out in natural settings, there are still very few quantitative studies to support this theory. …