Instructions For Completing The Deafblind Census

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

This is a first Monday in January snapshot.  You will report on students who were enrolled in the district on January 2. 2012.

• This count will not affect any other counts or funding associated with the IDEA or other reporting and funding efforts.
• All information provided to the Texas Education Agency is held in accordance with the requirements for confidentiality as specified in the regulations for the Privacy Rights of Parents and Students [34 CFR 99.31].
• The Texas Education Agency is an eligible agency to view and maintain confidential and identifying information regarding individuals with exceptional needs [34 CFR 99.31].
• In order for the Texas Education Agency to release confidential information to related agencies for programming and fiscal purposes, parents must have provided consent on the 2008 Sample Form, Consent for Release of Confidential Information: Student with Visual Impairment. The district must indicate on the Census Form whether or not this consent was obtained.

To determine if a student should be reported on the Deafblind Census:

• Review the Federal definition
• Complete the Checklist for Deafblind Census of Texas

Students for whom vision and hearing loss are suspected but who have not been tested may be reported on the Deafblind Census and remain for one year. During that year, assessment of their sensory functioning should be completed. Technical assistance related to appropriate assessment techniques is available from Texas Deafblind Outreach at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (512 206-9242).

To begin the registration process, locate the letter sent to the director of special education.  This letter was sent form the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired just before the winter break.  This letter contains the login and password you will need to complete the Deafblind Census.  These letters were sent to the names and addresses listed at the TEA site “Ask Ted”. To start the process, go to DB Census On Line.  You may also want to view Deafblind Census Online Registration Narrative with Screenshots.

Once you have logged on, there are directions in that system that will guide you through the process.  These directions include access to a glossary that will define terms in each of the data fields.  This year we are asking that you pay particular attention to the parent name and address fields and do you best to update those.

Census Forms

• Checklist for the Deafblind Census of Texas Form (DOC 48k)
• Consent For Release Of Confidential Information From The Registration Of Students With Visual Impairments - Parent Consent Forms
• Entry instructions including glossary
• Instructions for online registration of a student on the Deafblind Census with screenshots

Attachments:

Checklist for Deafblind Census of Texas	44 Kb
Deafblind Census Online Registration Narrative with Screenshots	1917 Kb
Deafblind Census Entry Instructions and Glossary	127 Kb