People who are deaf and blind have unique communication needs requiring very specialized instruction and follow-through by family and caregivers.

The Teacher of the Deaf-Blind provides direct one-on-one instruction and consultative special education services within a student’s school.

The Teacher of the Deaf-Blind provides:

• Client observation and evaluation
• Usher Syndrome screening
• Staff training
• Demonstration teaching
• Person-centered planning: Person-centered planning provides a tool for caregivers to know and understand the wants and desires of the focus person.  This tool is valuable for determining the likes and dislikes of a deaf-blind person who may be unable to communicate.

• Information and resources about Interveners: An intervener is specially trained and works closely with the deaf-blind client to provide clear and consistent sensory information to  compensate for both vision and hearing loss in such a way as to facilitate and enhance learning and interaction with the physical environment and with society.

Services provided the Teacher of the Deaf-Blind include consultations with family members and caregivers in the home and community settings to address the challenges faced by the person with the loss of both hearing and vision.