Statewide DeafBlind Community of Practice Meeting

Fall 2021 DeafBlind Community of Practice

September 23, 2021 9:00 am - 3:00pm 

Heather Withrow, also known as Hex, is a mother of three children: one who is DeafBlind, one who is Deaf, and one who is a KODA (KODA: Hearing Kid of Deaf Adults).  Heather has a Master of Education in Special Education from Texas Tech University, with a concentration in Orientation and Mobility and a graduate certificate in Deafblindness.  Hex is now a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).  In addition, she serves as an advocate for Deaf and DeafBlind Texans.

Tactile Access for DeafBlind Children with Complex Needs

This presentation brings to attention our using touch for communication and information with students who are DeafBlind and any student who benefits from tactile learning. This includes ideas, stories, and video examples of direct touch; feeling vibrations, clues and cues in our environment; and moving or being moved through space. The hope is that participants will take away ideas, resources and zest to create or maximize natural tactile learning/communication opportunities.

Emma Mayes is a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) who became a deafblind intervener in 2016.  She has worked with a variety of individuals with deafblindness and currently is a teacher of individuals with severe/profound developmental/cognitive and multiple disabilities.  In addition, Emma is a nationally certified DeafBlind intervener.

Social Skill Development for DeafBlind Children in the General Education Classroom

Strategies to utilize with both elementary-age and secondary-age students to engage them with their general education peers will be shared. The concept of social connection to the general education world is contingent upon two strands: preparing the physical environment and supporting the individual with deafblindness. Participants will leave the presentation having developed part of a power point presentation introducing one of their students to their general education classroom and choose at least one strategy to carry into their practice.  Please have Google Slides or Power Point ready on your computer during this presentation.

Jerry Petroff is a professor at the College of New Jersey and is the Principal Investigator for the New Jersey Center on Deaf-Blindness. He has been professionally involved in the education of students with deafblindness for over 35 years. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in psychological studies in special education, a Master of Education in speech pathology and audiology and a bachelor’s degree in deaf education. Dr. Petroff is an internationally recognized expert in the education of children with deafblindness.

Language, Literacy & Communication Deprivation in Deafblind Children

The professional literature is replete with research that indicates that many deaf children are deprived of early language and literacy acquisition especially at a time when the plasticity of the human brain is more available to learning.  Professionals, family members and others often do not have basic understandings that make communication with those who are deaf / hard of hearing more efficient and effective.  Although this may be dismissed since many children “make-up” progress once they are in formal school.  However, there is documented research that demonstrates serious ramifications and patterns of social interactions (including a lack of clear and direct communication with parents, siblings, and others) have negative effects on identity, mental health, and social relationships.

What about Deafblind children? 

This session will explore the language, literacy & communication deprivation in deafblind children especially those with additional challenges (including when the native language of families is not English).  Come with your mind open to explore this issue and challenge your assumptions.  There is little to no direct research in this area, are any of you interesting in joining Dr. Petroff in his next research project?

This initiative is made possible with a grant from the MN Department of Education using federal funding CFDA 84.027A Special Education – Grants to States.  This initiative is made possible in whole with a grant from the Minnesota Board of Education using federal funding, CFDA 84.027A, Special Education – Grants to States. This event does not necessarily represent the policy of the federal Department of Education or the state Department of Education.  You should not assume endorsement by the federal or state government.

Cancellation: You can cancel your own registration for an event before the cancellation deadline. (Please check the event information for specific cancellation details.) If the event has a fee, refunds are possible only if cancellation is prior to the deadline. If you do not attend and do not cancel prior to an event, you are still responsible for payment and will be billed.

Special Accommodations: Please alert BrightWorks 2-3 weeks prior to the workshop/event if you need special accommodations, including sign language interpreters. (BrightWorks requires a notice of 2 business days to cancel a sign language interpreter. If you fail to cancel, we reserve the right to bill your school/district for this expense.) Update your profile as needed. Special accommodations are not included with each registration, but are stored in your profile until you make changes.