Uses of Mechanical Vibration in the Education of Multiply Handicapped Blind Children

Multiply handicapped blind children, particularly those with severe or profound mental and/or auditory handicaps, are effectively deprived of many sensations, and hence many opportunities for learning. It is therefore of particular interest when a technique is developed that appears to utilize an intact portion of their sensorium. In this paper, the uses of mechanical vibration for stimulating, rewarding and suppressing the behaviors of multiply handicapped children are discussed. A review of the published literature, together with our experience, indicate how the use of mechanical vibration has helped to develop new skills for multiply handicapped children. Suggestions for further research and refinement of the techniques are made.