Workshops and Training for Multiple Disabilities

Students with deafblindness who use manual communication systems typically require IEP accommodations and strategies that may be unfamiliar to teachers of students with visual impairments and teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing. This training will provide information on an appropriate assessment to determine the student’s needs in learning and using sign language and fingerspelling. Instructors will provide explanations and demonstrations of typical techniques. Participants will engage in activities that allow use of these techniques and will receive a copy of the Assessment of Deafblind Access to Manual Language Systems (ADAMLS).

When planning strategies to support a student with deafblindness who engages in challenging behavior, it is important to understand how the effects of deafblindness may be influencing the situation. Deafblindness has numerous effects, including the way a person gathers information, communicates, and understands the world. Knowing these influences helps us do a better job of assessing the function of behaviors, and planning strategies to decrease the likelihood of behaviors such as aggression directed toward self, others, and property.

This learning and sharing opportunity on deafblindness can be offered during a scheduled VI/O&M and/or deaf education regional network meeting or as a separate event.  This workshop provides an opportunity to bring together key stakeholders together for regional and local needs assessment related to their students with deafblindness where ever they are served.  Agency sharing, resource packets, training updates, as well as state and national trends are shared.  A facilitated discussion of the unique areas of consideration for students with deafblindness helps staff identify training and support needs in their region for students with deafblindness, their families and the staff who support both educational and rehabilitation needs.  This includes a thorough examination of the regions deafblind census data.  Through this process participants will be able to identify actions and activities that are working well for this group of students and provide an opportunity to brainstorm ideas for areas of identified need for the region.

This learning and sharing opportunity on deafblindness can be offered during a scheduled VI/O&M and/or deaf education regional network meeting or as a separate event.  This workshop provides an opportunity to bring together key stakeholders together for regional and local needs assessment related to their students with deafblindness where ever they are served.  Agency sharing, resource packets, training updates, as well as state and national trends are shared.  A facilitated discussion of the unique areas of consideration for students with deafblindness helps staff identify training and support needs in their region for students with deafblindness, their families and the staff who support both educational and rehabilitation needs.  This includes a thorough examination of the regions deafblind census data.  Through this process participants will be able to identify actions and activities that are working well for this group of students and provide an opportunity to brainstorm ideas for areas of identified need for the region.

Both education and human service providers may lack experience in working with and supporting individuals with deafblindness. Understanding some of the basics about individuals who are identified as having dual sensory impairments is critical to providing quality services. This 2-day workshop covers topics such as the causes of deafblindness, the basics of vision and hearing loss, travel modifications, communication, active participation, behavioral issues and intervention strategies. Participants will learn strategies to improve the quality of interactions and support they provide to young adults who are deafblind.

Communication is the foundation for meaningful programming for students with visual and multiple impairments, which may include deafblindness. In this workshop participants will learn methods for developing communication systems using a holistic approach to interaction, routine development, and calendar systems. Presenters will share tips and strategies for developing functional and individualized communication systems that can serve as life-long tools for learning.

During the ten years, students with deafblindness should be preparing for adult life by discovering skills and interests, becoming more independent, and making plans for the future.  However, many have led sheltered lives with limited expectations.  Many students have few opportunities to take on responsibilities and make meaningful decisions.  This presentation will cover how to prepare students for transition to adult life by creating opportunities for independence and self-determination.