Deaf-Blind Handout

The definition for Deaf- Blind

Deaf-blindness means concomitant hearing and visual impairments, the combination of which
causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that they
cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with deafness or
children with blindness (National Center on Deaf-Blindness).
Common Characteristics
Presence of both a vision loss and hearing disability that causes sever communication and related
problems. Adversely affects educational performance.
Learning Strategies
Communication boards: Can be as simple as a board with pictures on it that depict common
tasks or needs that the student would point too.
Non Aided Communication: This would consist of sign Language, gestures, and facial
expressions.
Aided communication: This is something like a computer with specialized software or
communication devices that can speak for the student.
Switches and Scanning Devices: Some students cannot push a button or point at a picture.
However, they might be able to indicate a choice using a switch. When a scanning device is used,
a series of options is presented such as I am hungry or I have to use the bathroom, then the
student proceeds to chose the one that fits their needs.
Resources
The American Association of the Deaf-Blind: This website is a great resource for both parents
and teachers it has support services, and information on technology that is specific to Deaf-Blind
children. http://www.aadb.org
Council for Exceptional Children: Has a link where you can subscribe to get News and
information on Special Education. This association also works with other countries on enhancing
their services for students with disabilities. https://www.cec.sped.org
Center for Parent Information and Resources: This Resources is great because it has training
classes for parents, and also information on the child's individual disability.
http://www.parentcenterhub.org
National Center for The Deaf-Blind: This site is wonderful it provides you with the tools for
early detection of children who are Deaf- Blind, and then has strategies for families on the
transition. https://nationaldb.org/focus
Deaf Blind Education: Is a website that will give people who are deaf and Blind the resources
they need for being independent, and preparing them for after school life.
http://www.deafblindinfo.org