Last updated:
November 29, 2007

Information about the Deafblind Census

The Texas Education Agency (TEA), Division of Special Education, is required to report annually on individuals, 0-21 years of age, who are deafblind in Texas.

This report requires a different type of information than the Child Count data mandated under IDEA. Through the Deafblind Census, the Texas Education Agency must annually report:

the number of children who meet the criteria for being reported on the Deafblind Census served by age, severity, sex, and nature of deafblindness; and
the types of services provided and the setting in which the services are provided.

The census provides information that is used for regional and statewide planning to develop funding and appropriate services for infants, children, and youth who are deafblind.

This census report is more inclusive and extensive than the December 1 Child Count report required under the IDEA. It is important to point out that the federal definition of deafblindness is a functional definition which goes beyond medical and clinical determination of severity of two major sensory deficits and focuses on evidence of need for modification of special education practice.