Presenter
Monique Coleman PhD and Kriten Witucki, MA
VISTAS Education Partners, New Jersey
Abstract
This presentation will focus on the Cranmer Abacus as a tool for building math skills and facilitating access to the core curriculum for blind and low vision learners, including those who have additional disabilities. The primary goal of the presentation will be for attendees to have a greater awareness of the relevance of the Cranmer Abacus in present-day Math education for blind and low vision learners, and the state of instruction and advocacy around use of the abacus.
The presenter will draw upon personal experiences as a TVI, data from the NJ Regional Abacus Bee and the National Abacus Bee competitions, and qualitative from students, parents, and educators to address this important topic in the area of math education of blind and low vision students, specifically those in elementary and middle school. Topics will include: (a) the relevance of the abacus in the age of digital knowledge and education; (b) creating support system for abacus integration in the students educational program; (c) effective approaches to the integration of technology in abacus instruction; (d) barriers to abacus access and strategies for removing those barriers; and (e) promoting abacus awareness and skills through friendly competition: reflections and stats on the APH Abacus Bee.