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Deaf-Blind

A young girl wearing a cochlear implant and glasses drawing
“Deaf-blindness is a unique disability, which requires a unique approach to support and a unique system to deliver that support.”  - John M. McInnes


The term “deaf-blindness” is any combination of a vision and hearing loss, requiring specific instructional strategies that address the presence of both sensory impairments. In combination, the impact of these conditions, with or without additional disabilities, is educationally significant. This includes student with conditions that put them at risk for future combined vision and hearing loss.

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Resources

Communication Considerations for Children Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind Communication Considerations for Children Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind This brochure discusses communication options and supports that are key to the success of a child who is deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. It also emphasizes the role of the parent on the child's team and suggests resources for guidance and parental support.
Considerations for Students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind as Schools Reopen Considerations for Students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind as Schools Reopen During this national pandemic, certain measures are being implemented that are creating increased barriers to learning and communication for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. In order to support schools as they develop their Health and Safety Plans, the following should be considered when planning virtual and in-person instruction for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind under these new requirements.
Considerations for Students Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind: Questions to Discuss With Your School Team Considerations for Students Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind: Questions to Discuss With Your School Team This fact sheet - specifically addressing considerations for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind - provides questions to discuss with the school team as students return to the school setting.
PA Agenda for Students Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind: A Summary of Accomplishments PA Agenda for Students Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind: A Summary of Accomplishments This document contains a summary of accomplishments for each area of the Pennsylvania Agenda for Students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind.
Pennsylvania Agenda for Students Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind Pennsylvania Agenda for Students Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind The Pennsylvania Agenda for Students Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind contains a set of goals and activities designed to ensure positive educational outcomes for all Pennsylvania students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind.

Click here for a Summary of Accomplishments
Pennsylvania’s Approach to the National Agenda (PANA) Pennsylvania’s Approach to the National Agenda (PANA) Vision loss can affect all aspects of a child’s development, and specific instruction and supports are needed in order to provide access to all learning environments. PANA contains a set of goals and actions that are designed to ensure positive educational outcomes, and these goals support the State Performance Plan Indicators that correspond with the areas of the National Agenda.
Secondary Transition Guide for Deaf-Blindness Secondary Transition Guide for Deaf-Blindness This rack card lists resources for students and areas where students can set goals to accomplish while in school and after graduation.
Students Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind: Safety Checklist for IEP Teams Students Who Are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind: Safety Checklist for IEP Teams This list is intended to guide discussions to determine needs and supports for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind during emergency situations.
The Pennsylvania Advisory Committee on Education of Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (PACES-BVI) The Pennsylvania Advisory Committee on Education of Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired (PACES-BVI) This fact sheet outlines the vision, mission, membership, and responsibilities of PACES-BVI.
The Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project The Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project This brochure provides information about deaf-blindness and the Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project. Through PaTTAN, the Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project offers a variety of training, technical assistance, and resources to assist educators and families in the areas of assessment, instruction, and family involvement activities.

Also available in Spanish.
The Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project (rack card) The Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project (rack card) This rack card provides basic information about Pennsylvania's Deaf-Blind Project. The card is in English and Spanish.
The Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project (Spanish) The Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project (Spanish) This brochure provides information about deaf-blindness and the Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project. Through PaTTAN, the Pennsylvania Deaf-Blind Project offers a variety of training, technical assistance, and resources to assist educators and families in the areas of assessment, instruction, and family involvement activities.

Also available in English.
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Consultants

- Office Lead
- State Lead
Molly Black PaTTAN - East
Jennifer Edgar PaTTAN - East
Sue Ann Houser PaTTAN - Harrisburg
Patti McGowan PaTTAN - East
Gregory Lazur PaTTAN - Pittsburgh
Jennifer Craig PaTTAN - Pittsburgh
Tara Kelly PaTTAN - East
Gregory Gerhart PaTTAN - Harrisburg