Four-Part Deafblind Training Series

The series includes the following topics and is offered on four separate dates. Participants must attend all four training's. If you have an interest in our 4-Part Series please contact NEC@Perkins.org and ask to have a training held at your site. We require a minimum of 20 participants at a site to run the training. The site location must be supplied free of charge to NEC and be able to accommodate 25+ people. For additional details contact NEC at the above email address. Current Four Part Training's are also listed by date and by state on the events page.

Four Part Deafblind Training Series We are excited to introduce our 4-Part Training Series in all four states.

Part 1 - Unique Challenges of Deafblindness and Multiple Disabilities Understanding of how a combined vision and hearing loss impacts learning and social/emotional development.

• The diversity within the population of learners who are deafblind.
• The isolating effects of combined hearing and vision.
• The emotional implications of combined hearing and vision losses.
• The differences between low vision and blindness.
• The structure and function of the auditory system.
• The complex effects of additional disabilities.
• The need for learners who are deafblind to have communication embedded/incorporated in all activities and settings.

Part 2 - Developing Communication Competencies for Learners who are Deafblind and Their Partner Strategies to improve communication, language and social interaction.

• Linguistic forms/modes of communication.
• The communication functions of behaviors.
• Development of vocabulary (content).
• Development of communication partnerships.
• Assessment of non-linguistic forms of communication.
• Assess and interpret the meaning of intentional use of signals and natural gestures to communicate.

Part 3 - Important Considerations in Assessment of Children who are Deafblind or who have Multiple Disabilities and Sensory Loss Comprehensive, on-going assessment strategies for identification, implementation and program development of children and students who are deafblind.

• Identify the critical components necessary in planning, assessing and reporting assessment results of children with multiple disabilities, deafblindness, and sensory loss
• Discuss formal (norm-referenced tests) and informal (criterion-referenced) assessment strategies
• Identify the role of the teacher and examiner in the assessment process
• Consider the impact of the child’s sensory loss(es) on learning. Make necessary motor and communication accommodations for the assessment, alternate assessment, IFSP/IEP/ITP development, and in developing curriculum
• Present assessment and curriculum tools including: Callier Azusa; INSITE Checklist; C.O.A.C.H. and the AEP’s Assessment & Planning System

Part 4 - Important Considerations in Developing Curriculum for Children who are Deafblind or who have Multiple Disabilities and Sensory Loss Strategies for developing and implementing curriculum modifications and adaptations for children and students who are deafblind.

• Identify the critical components of an academic curriculum for children with multiple disabilities, deafblindness, and sensory loss
• Discuss learning principles to consider when developing curriculum
• Discuss ways to adapt and modify the academic curriculum to meet the needs of children with multiple disabilities, deafblindness, and sensory loss
• Consider necessary teaching strategies designed to implement the modified academic curriculum
• Adapt and use a Unit Based Curriculum Approach for designing an integrated curriculum for children with multiple disabilities, deafblindness, and sensory loss

If you are interested in attending one of these training's contact the person in your particular state. (see contact us page) This is a free training. Fax registration forms to: 617-972-7354. Registration Form Registration starts promptly at times set in you confirmation letter and class begins 1/2 hour from registration time.

Deafblind Training Series in Massachusetts: To set up a training in your state contact Tracy Evans Luiselli.

Deafblind Training Series in New Hampshire : Contact Christine Martin or Sue Hollis for training in the state of New Hampshire.

Multi-Handicapped Deafblind Training Series in Connecticut: Contact Karen Olson or Janette Peracchio for training in the state of Connecticut.

Deafblind Training Series in Maine: Contact Jean Small for training in the state of Maine.

Most of the NEC sponsored training's we provide PDP Points (Professional Development Points) in Connecticut we also offer CEU's. Certain training's we also have credit courses available.

For all of the training's please email or fax your registration form by the deadline to NEC@Perkins.org or fax it to Cheryl Harvey at 617-972-7354.