Sensory Efficiency

Sensory efficiency is the ability to use all available senses to gather information from the environment. For ākonga who are blind, deafblind, or who have low vision, this skill is crucial for navigating and understanding the world around them. It involves using their remaining senses, such as hearing, touch, smell, and any residual vision they might have.

Sensory systems include:

• Visual (sight)
• Auditory (hearing)
• Tactile (touch)
• Vestibular (balance)
• Proprioception (body position)
• Olfactory (smell)
• Gustatory (taste)
• Interoception (internal sensations)

Maximising the use of all senses, including any residual vision and hearing, and learning how to use each of these effectively, is essential for sensory efficiency. This helps ākonga navigate their environment, perform daily tasks, and engage with others more effectively.

What ākonga will understand, know and do across their learning pathways

As ākonga develop their sensory efficiency knowledge and capabilities, they come to understand:

• Vital for Development and Quality of Life
  • That sensory efficiency is vital for overall development and quality of life.
• Effective use of senses to interact with and interpret their environment
  • This understanding enhances their ability to navigate daily life, perform tasks independently, and engage more fully in social and educational activities.
• Boosting Confidence and Independence
  • How maximising their remaining senses boosts their confidence and fosters a greater sense of independence and self-reliance.
• Repeated Opportunities
  • That sensory efficiency requires repeated opportunities to develop senses and deepen understanding of how each of these are used in differing situations.

As ākonga develop their sensory efficiency capabilities and knowledge, they come to know:

• About developing and optimising their sensory efficiency, and using regular and consistent practice opportunities to gather information, navigate, and engage with the world.
  • Efficient use of senses develops through opportunity and practice, enabling access to, and interpretation of, the environment.
• About engaging and integrating a variety of sensory skills and strategies.
  • This integration supports a deeper understanding of the environment through effective use of the senses.
• That various tools, techniques, and devices aid sensory efficiency and enhance access and engagement.
  • Knowing how to use tools and techniques that support sensory efficiency helps ākonga access learning and stay engaged.
• When and who to go to for support
  • Interdependence may lead to increased independence. Knowing when and who to go to for support is essential. Support and resources may include whānau, educators, and specialists.

As ākonga develop their sensory efficiency capabilities and knowledge, they will be able to:

• Be Adaptable
  • Ākonga are open to learning and adapting to new sensory strategies and tools.
• Be Resilient
  • Ākonga recognise that mastering sensory efficiency may take time and persistence.
• Self-Advocate
  • Ākonga advocate for their needs and ensure equitable access to sensory information.
• Be Collaborative
  • Ākonga collaborate with peers, teachers, and support staff to optimise sensory strategies and tools.
• Problem Solve
  • Ākonga evaluate their sensory experiences and adjust their approach as needed.

BLENNZ teachers will have knowledge and skills to:

• Assess ākonga using a range of processes and tools, such as:
  • functional vision observation and assessment
  • tactual observation and assessment
  • Learning Media Assessment
• Assess and identify the most appropriate learning medium for the specific needs of the ākonga to support learning in this medium.
• Support sensory skill development across a range of environments.
• Assess and develop learning environments to meet ākonga need.
• Foster the development of ākonga advocacy to manage their learning environment.