Blumberg Center for
Interdisciplinary Studies in Special Education
indiana deafblind services project
project information
Mission
The Indiana Deafblind Services Project is committed to helping
individuals who are deafblind reach their full potential and be valued
and contributing members of their communities. This is accomplished by
providing person centered educational training to individuals, their
families, and service providers using effective educational strategies.
Philosophy
We believe that . . .
Families are
the one "constant" in the lives of persons who are deafblind.
All
individuals can learn and contribute.
There is no
single profile of a person who is deafblind.
Individuals
who are deafblind can participate in almost any activity in
almost
every learning environment.
Individuals
who are deafblind communicate in a variety of ways.
Family/caregiver involvement is the key ingredient in the
successful education
of persons who are deafblind.
Families/caregivers are the best advocates for the individual
who is deafblind.
Student
centered educational teams are critical for the success of the
student.
Activities
should value all children and families; therefore, all
activities should be
as family-centered as possible.
Student
centered educational teams are critical for the success of the
student.
Educational
and support assistance activities should be individualized for
each person and should have specific outcomes that are clear to
both families
and service providers.
What Does the Indiana Deafblind Services Project Do?
The Project provides technical assistance, workshops, and support
services to service providers and families of children with
deafblindness. Project activities include: Site-based and Child Focused
Consultations, a Technical Assistance Facilitator Training Project,
Family Learning Weekends, a Parent/Professional Resource Library, an
Usher Syndrome Screening Project, and a State-wide Census of Students,
birth 21, who are deafblind. In addition, information is disseminated
regarding dual sensory impairments and project activities through the
project newsletter, Deafblind Focus, and other project products.
Many topics are addressed in the technical assistance activities,
workshops and support services. Some topics include: Communication
Strategies, Curriculum Development, Instructional Strategies, Inclusion,
Family Networks, Collaboration, Transition Planning, and Assistive
Technology.
Who Can Use the Services of the Project?
Any parent, family member, or care provider of a child with
deafblindness, ages birth - 21 years, may request services from the
project. In addition, educational personnel and service providers from
state and community agencies, as well as others who provide services to
individuals with dual sensory impairments, may receive project services.
Who are Indiana's Children with Deafblindness who are Eligible
for Services from the Project?
Students with hearing and visual impairments occurring together in any
combination are considered to have deafblindness. The combined sensory
loss causes such severe communication and other developmental and
educational needs that they require special education and related
services beyond those provided solely for children with vision or
hearing impairments or severe disabilities. Currently, there are
approximately 210 children on the Indiana Deafblind Census.
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