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.