The Use of a Multi-Image Slide Presentation and Experiential Strategies to Enhance Personal/Social Development of Deaf Students with Developmental Disabilities

The Outdoor Experiential Education Program at NTID/RIT uses innovative learning strategies designed to maximize the personal/social development of hearing-impaired students.

In order to meet the needs of students with special learning problems, a six projector multi-image slide presentation was developed. This was used in conjunction with an experiential activity known as a "wild walk" to expose incoming students to the excitement of the Outdoor Experiential Education Program and to teach some specific skills necessary for students to negotiate the wild walk successfully.

This mediated introduction linked to a reinforcing experiential activity has proven to be an effective way to teach technical skills and increase student awareness and motivation in addressing personal/social issues through an experience based educational process.