This activity has been revised and was originally created by Vickie Brennan, Flo Ryu, and Dennis Lolli and published in the Perkins Activity and Resource Guide (1st edition, 1992). The second edition is available for purchase.
This activity helps the teacher identify auditory reinforcers that enhance the student’s use of functional vision. Students will indicate a preference for the activity by responding with a positive change in affect (smile, laugh); or by gesturing or moving toward the adult or the item with her hand or body (following the cessation of the sound). Lessons include Concept Development and Independent Living Skills.
Hint: Don’t automatically assume that if the student turns away from the sound source it is an indication of nonpreference. Instead, repeat the procedure several times. Turning her head away from the stimulus may represent the student’s attempt to position an ear toward the source of the auditory stimulations.