There is a lack of knowledge in the area of training needs for Deaf/Blind vocational rehabilitation and/or independent living service providers in Florida. This quantitative study utilized self-report surveys of Deaf/Blind providers in Florida to determine what needs to be done related to professional development. The researcher attempted to…

This report describes the work done by the 48 State Deaf-Blind Projects awarded grants by the Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in late 2013. The report documents the technical assistance and dissemination activities carried out by the Projects and their collaborative activities, describes the needs for…

Rehabilitation efforts for children with congenital dual sensory impairments, or deafblindness, have a long-standing history. Rehabilitation for older people with acquired dual impairments has recently moved to center stage because of the increasing number of clients who require such services (Saunders & Echt, 2007). For both these groups of…

This article develops a framework for a common definition of system and system change drawing heavily from current understandings within chaos theory, quantum physics, and self-ordering systems. The framework is discussed in the context of TRACES, the national technical assistance agency for students with deaf blindness, and service delivery…

The component parts of a continuum of services needed for the deaf blind individual to function in the least restrictive environment are discussed. The need for both public and private interagency cooperation for the service delivery system to be effective is cited. (PHR)

A summary of evidence regarding the prevalence of visual abnormality among deaf students, appropriate planning for and implementation of vision assessment services, and the importance of follow-up services for visually impaired deaf individuals is presented. The results of seven assessment studies based in educational programs for the deaf are…

This study attempted to validate the effectiveness of the Intervener Service Model, which provides the services of a paraprofessional (called an intervener) to families of young children who are deaf-blind. The intervener provides auditory, visual, and tactile stimulation and helps the child develop interaction behaviors. Quantitative and…

This article examines factors influencing the provision of high-quality services to individuals who are deaf-blind. Various definitions of this population and the unique challenges in serving them are addressed, as are transitional services, gaps in services, the importance of interagency collaboration, and components of a successful service…

This chronology lists highlights in the history of deaf-blind education from 1789 to 1995. Events covered include those concerning early special schools in Europe and the United States and trends in service delivery. Emphasis is on federal legislative actions since 1968. (DB)

A survey mailed to 200 speech-language pathologists (SLPs) examined their involvement in communication development in children with visual impairments or deafblindness. Analysis of responses (N=49) found striking differences in the preparation and competence of SLPs regarding various types of sensory impairment. Recommendations for changes in…

This final report describes the activities and accomplishments of the Oklahoma Deaf-Blind Technical Assistance Project, an effort to systematically provide training, resource provision and technical assistance (TA) to approximately 120-155 children and youth with deaf-blindness, their families, educators and service providers. The overall impact…

A survey of recipients of 51 technical assistance projects addressing needs of children with sensory impairments in 18 states and territories resulted in identification of desired individual, programmatic, and systemwide changes in provision of technical assistance services. (Author/DB)

This extensive report describes and provides documentation on Special Communications Services for the Sensory Impaired (SCS), a Virginia-based telecommunications delivery system developed by the Center for Excellence, Inc. (CenTex), to provide information and entertainment broadcasting services to the visually handicapped, the hearing impaired,…

This volume contains six documents that represent the results of a year-long, statewide study and planning effort for developing a program to serve the deaf-blind population in Kansas. The first document discusses the perceived problems and includes a study of the history of national, regional and state efforts, the initial project goals and…