Deaf-Blind

“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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• Consultants

Resources

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.

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.

PA Deaf-Blind Project's Family Learning Conference This is a datesaver for the 2020 Family Learning conference.

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

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 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) This fact sheet outlines the vision, mission, membership, and responsibilities of PACES-BVI.

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.

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.

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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

Doug Williams PaTTAN - Harrisburg

Gregory Lazur PaTTAN - Pittsburgh

Jennifer Craig PaTTAN - Pittsburgh

Tara Kelly PaTTAN - East