Deafblind Advisor Training

Deafblind Advisor Training Program (Tier I)
click here to download the schedule.

Deafblindness is a unique disability requiring that team members have knowledge and skills about the impact of dual sensory losses on learning. Combined vision and hearing losses influence all areas of learning particularly language/communication, motor development, orientation and mobility, and access to the general education curriculum. The Deafblind Advisor Training Project will provide participants with in-depth knowledge and skills in the fields of deafblindness and multiple disabilities.

The key goals of this project are to :

1. facilitate a “community of practice” in the field of deafblindness in the states of CT, ME, MA, NH and VT that facilitates the sharing of information about best practices in deafblind education
2. provide collegial support to staff working with children and youth who are deafblind
3. increase the number of personnel trained in the field of deafblindness within the New England region
4. support team consultation and instate training to team members and state agencies, and
5. develop state action plans and conduct state activities to address the technical assistance needs of children and youth who are deafblind, their families and service providers

Project Requirements:

• DB Advisors must commit to the two year training project by attending 3, 2-day training modules at Perkins School for the Blind, interim phone/video conferences and a final portfolio. Also, DB Advisors will submit data regarding:
  1. pre and post self-rating report
  2. vision, hearing, communication and classroom environmental assessments
  3. family interview and needs assessment
• All DB Advisors will be required to have direct access to a child who has combined vision and hearing losses for direct observation, assessment and program development.
• NEC is in the process of pursuing graduate credit opportunities. At least forty-eight Professional Development Points will be offered (for complete attendance). *CEU's will be offered in CT only.

To register: Contact Cheryl Harvey at nec@perkins.org, or download the Registration Form and fax it to 617-972-7354

Deafblind Advisor Forms:

• Syllabus
• Requirements
• Supervisor Letters: October 2009 or March 2010
• Child Permission Form
• State Action Plan
• Leadership Activities and State Action Plan - March 2010

Deafblind Advisor Training Project (Tier II)
Fall 2011/Spring 2012 Information will be posted shortly for our next draft of Deafblind Advisors. If you are interested in this next training (see details/content above) please contact nec@perkins.org, or download the Registration Form and fax it to 617-972-7354 we will be selecting our candidates based on criteria and availability to attend all training and phone conferences.