This theme issue presents personal perspectives and approaches to self-advocacy from individuals who are deaf-blind. Individual articles are: (1) "Self-Advocacy: Attaining Personal Stature" by Michelle J. Smithdas; (2) "The American Association of the Deaf-Blind: A National Consumer Advocacy Organization" by Jeffrey S. Bohrman;…

The newsletter describes the development of a vocational training model for severely handicapped and deaf blind adolescents. The need for innovative vocational models in the secondary school is discussed. Three stages of the vocational training model are presented--assessment in five job samples (food service, groundskeeping-agriculture,…

This factsheet presents numerous ways that parents can interact with their deaf-blind children. The challenges facing children with deaf-blindness are explained and compared to children without disabilities. Ways to recognize and then respond to children's actions are suggested, and tips for developing good communication are presented, including…

This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about psychological evaluations for infants, children, and adults who are deaf-blind. It also considers how to use psychological evaluation quality indicators and identifies desired outcomes to maximize benefits to the student. Questions addressed include: (1) what skills and abilities are…

Three issues of this newsletter on deaf-blind issues include announcements, reviews, news items, and the following articles: "'What's My Role?' A Comparison of the Responsibilities of Interpreters, Interveners, and Support Service Providers" (Susanne Morgan); "A Support Service Provider Program in Utah" (Cordie Weed);…

This brief guide presents principles and suggestions to help individuals who are deaf-blind enjoy and benefit from participation in recreational activities. Principles consider the need to: (1) start with the individual and determine what he/she is interested in, focusing on the selection of safe, age-appropriate activities; (2) research the…

Three issues of this newsletter include articles on and news items related to deaf-blindness. Articles include the following: "Research-to-Practice: Bridging the Gap between Research and Demonstration Projects and Practical Needs of Parents and Educators" (Harvey Mar and Nancy Sall); "Syndromes, Behavior, and Educational Intervention" (J. P. M.…

The lead article in this issue describes procedures developed by a model program for the deinstitutionalization of deaf-blind children and youth. Procedures are discussed for: (1) selection of participants; (2) coordination and cooperation among agencies; (3) identification of community residences; (4) involvement of the local education agency;…

This overview provides basic information on the causes of deaf-blindness and the particular challenges faced by individuals with deaf-blindness. Causes of deaf-blindness include various syndromes, multiple congenital anomalies, prematurity, congenital prenatal dysfunction, and various postnatal causes. Differences between people deaf-blind from…

The issue of Directions contains 10 articles which address the question of what, besides the legal mandate, does it take to make placement and programing work for hearing impaired individuals. Entries include the following titles and authors: "The IEP (individualized education program) and Deaf Children" (M. Deninger); "The Deaf Child and the…

This bulletin provides information about the positive changes that have accrued for persons with hearing loss in the education and public sectors, and identifies issues and concerns related to continuing the improvement of educational outcomes and services. The bulletin provides: (1) an overview of historical events, Congressional actions, and…

This theme issue of a newsletter that focuses on transition of youths who are deaf-blind discusses the topic of assistive technology. An introduction introduces the issue and notes the vast array of homemade low technology and commercially available high technology assistive aids and devices that enable adults with sensory disabilities to live,…

Some of the opportunities and challenges associated with postsecondary education for young adults who are deaf-blind are considered. Suggestions are offered for transition planning teams to consider, including analysis of students' most and least favorite classes, vocational goals, housing goals, and methods of paying for postsecondary education.…

This newsletter theme issue describes a state-local team partnership model for interagency transition efforts for young adults with deaf-blindness. Excepts from a presentation by Jane M. Everson identify key aspects and characteristics of effective state and local interagency partnerships. These include: (1) strategies for initiating and…

These three issues address topics relating to the education of children with deaf-blindness. The fall 1999 issue features the article, "Central Auditory Processing Disorders: An Overview of Assessment and Management Practices" (Mignon M. Schminky and Jane A. Baran), which discusses symptoms of Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD),…