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…

This fact sheet discusses the importance of literacy for individuals who are deaf-blind, the social functions of reading and writing, and conditions necessary for the development of literacy. Strategies for promoting literacy among this population are described and include: (1) invite children and adults who are deaf-blind to observe as you use…

This fact sheet discusses the importance of literacy for individuals who are deaf-blind, the social functions of reading and writing, and conditions necessary for the development of literacy. Strategies for promoting literacy among this population are described and include: (1) invite children and adults who are deaf-blind to observe as you use…

The article describes how to do an initial evaluation, establish rapport, set realistic goals, and establish an orientation training program with low-functioning deaf blind children. (PHR)

This article discusses the acquisition of self-control using relaxation and guided imagery. These methods can be used in conjunction with other effective teaching tools to enable people who are deaf-blind to lead self-determined lives. An audiotape guided imagery script and a guided imagery script on index cards are described. (Contains…

This listing provides directory information on U.S. teacher training programs designed to prepare teachers for teaching students with deaf blindness. Seven schools are listed by state and information is provided on the master and doctoral degrees offered. (Author/CR)

The annual directory provides information on schools and classes for the deaf and deaf blind in the United States and Canada, university programs training personnel in deafness and deaf blindness, federal programs, state vocational rehabilitation offices and departments of education and health, independent programs, state associations, national…

This article describes three field-tested approaches to planning educational programs in inclusive settings for students who are deaf-blind, making decisions about support services, and developing lesson accommodations to include the students in typical class activities. (Author)

This article briefly describes a two-week course on the education of deaf-blind students, offered as part of a special education degree program at the University of Zimbabwe. The article summarizes course emphases (such as combining education and rehabilitation over the life cycle) and the course's coverage of diagnosis and assessment,…

A survey of 124 teachers of students (ages 2-25) with deafness and blindness found that types of learning tasks used were often at variance with learning needs of the students. Teachers preferred methods of structuring learning tasks over methods that stress sensory input. Teachers did not prefer approaches that stress language development. (JDD)

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)

Two studies (with 78 experts in deaf blindness and multiple disabilities and 44 parents of children with deaf blindness) explored the content and social validity of an educational planning tool--COACH (Choosing Options and Accommodations for Children). Combined results provide initial validation that COACH is congruent with exemplary practice.…

The directory lists 28 state or multistate programs for deaf blind children and youth, the national center and 10 regional offices of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults, and 4 programs for training teachers of the deaf-blind. Information usually provided includes, address, director's name, and phone number. (DB)

This article on educating students with dual sensory impairments describes administrative and instructional strategies and effective use of personnel. Mainstreaming is advocated, and specific examples are given of practical intervention strategies for accommodating sensory impairments in integrated academic and social settings, such as tactile…

Communication is a barrier to accessing physical activity and recreation for many people who are deafblind (Lieberman & MacVicar, 2003; Lieberman & Stuart, 2002). The purpose of this study was to observe effective communication strategies used during four physical activities for youth who are deafblind. Communication during physical activity was…