This fully revised and updated second edition is essential reading for practitioners who support learners with multiple disabilities and vision impairment. The book reflects international initiatives that seek to ensure that people with disabilities have opportunities to take meaningful control within their learning and their lives.

Mike McLinden is a professor in the School of Education at the University of Birmingham. His main professional role is concerned with promoting equitable access to education for learners with disabilities. He is co-director of the Vision Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (VICTAR) at the University of Birmingham and programme lead for the professional development courses in vision impairment.

Steve McCall retired in 2011 from his post as senior lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Birmingham. On his retirement he was awarded an honorary senior lectureship at the University of Birmingham and is currently working as an independent consultant.

Liz Hodges is a senior lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Birmingham and the lead practitioner for deafblindness in education in Hertfordshire. In joint roles she develops theory and practice for learners with deafblindness with the aim of improving educational services. She is the only university lecturer in deafblindness education in the UK.

Acknowledgements Preface Overview PART 1 Making Connections CHAPTER 1 Revisiting Learning Through Touch PART 2 Finding Out About Touch CHAPTER 2 Reflecting on Touch CHAPTER 3 The Anatomy and Physiology of Touch CHAPTER 4 Functions of Touch CHAPTER 5 Early Development of Sensory and Cognitive Abilities PART 3 Identifying and Reducing Potential Barriers to Learning CHAPTER 6 The Influence of Vision Impairment on Early Haptic Development CHAPTER 7 The Potential Influences of Multiple Disabilities on Learning Through Touch CHAPTER 8 Assessment and Assessment of Touch CHAPTER 9 Interpersonal Communication Through Touch CHAPTER 10 Tactile Symbols and Early Literacy PART 4 Finishing Touches CHAPTER 11 Mediating Experiences Through Touch CHAPTER 12 Concluding Thoughts Glossary of Useful Terms Portfolio Activities Useful Resources References Index