DeafBlind

NC DeafBlind Project Logo.  The logo shows signing hands and braile representations of the words deaf and blind.

The Google Site for DeafBlind professionals has moved to a Canvas Hub. Please visit the Canvas hub to view professional development offerings (both current opportunities and previously recorded webinars) and explore numerous resources. 

Dr. Alan Chase - 984.236.2582

Virginia Madorin - 984.236.2307

The North Carolina DeafBlind Project (NCDBP) is a federally funded grant through the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and is administered through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) in the Office of Exceptional Children. The mission of NCDPI and the NC DeafBlind project is to assist educators, related service providers, and families to gain knowledge to enable children who are DeafBlind to access the general curriculum and to gain skills and experiences that prepare them to successfully transition to adult life. NCDPI in collaboration with East Carolina University Teacher Support Program for Learners with DeafBlindness and the Exceptional Children's Assistance Center, directs grant activities such as the annual child count (census), educator support activities (such as financial support to attend professional development activities), educational training for families, and collaboration with other state DeafBlind projects. 

For additional information about the North Carolina DeafBlind Project, as well as additional resources, please visit the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Site. 

Listervs for Professionals Working with Students Who are DeafBlind

DPI maintains multiple listservs for professionals working with students who are deaf, hard of hearing, visually impaired, or deafblind. To be added to a listserv, please contact the listserv administrator below:

DeafBlind Resources

Tab/Accordion Items

Each year the NCDBP is required by the federal government to conduct a child count and submit specific information. This information determines North Carolina’s share of federal grant money which is used to provide professional development and technical assistance to families and service providers of children who are identified as DeafBlind. The count is a snapshot of eligible students on December 1st. The count includes infants and toddlers, children, and youth birth through 21 years of age.

The DB Census should include “Children with COMBINED FUNCTIONAL or documented vision and hearing loss which may interfere with their ability to a) communicate and interact with others in educational and/or social settings; to access information (spoken, social media, print); and b) move about safely and efficiently in familiar and unfamiliar environments”. The definition also includes individuals with documented functional loss and/or with progressive conditions such as Usher's Syndrome.

Eligibility is not determined or limited by:
  • Area of Eligibility (primary or secondary) identified on IEP 
  • Receiving Special Education and/or Related Services such as Vision, Hearing, OT, PT, APE, etc. 
  • The presence or absence of additional disabilities

The North Carolina DeafBlind Project provides free technical assistance to children and youth with DeafBlindness from birth through 21 years of age and their families. The following are examples of the type of assistance which may be offered:

  • Information and Referrals: Access state and national resources. Receive a free resource packet.
  • Consultation: Speak with a Family Engagement Coordinator
  • Training: Attend conferences and meet national/international experts, learn at a workshop/retreat or online.
  • Networking: Meet and share with other families, bi-monthly phone family phone calls.

NC DeafBlind Project Family Engagement Coordinator

Nancy Giurato ngiurato@ecacmail.org 

A DeafBlind Intervener is a skilled person who can facilitate access to environmental information, communication, and social and emotional well-being for a student with DeafBlindness. 

For more information about interveners, visit the National Center on DeafBlindness or view the previously linked Canvas hub which holds additional technical assistance information for IEP teams considering the use of a DeafBlind Intervener for a student with DeafBlindness. 

Training and Professional Development Opportunities

The East Carolina University Teacher Support Program (ECU TSP) provides a no-cost year-long DB Intervener Cohort virtual training opportunity. Once cohort participants complete the modules, they are invited to proceed with pursuing national certification through one of the pathways offered by the National Center on DeafBlindness. During this time, ECU TSP will continue to provide mentor support and intensive technical assistance at no cost to individuals pursuing national certification. For more information about the East Carolina University Teacher Support Program’s support for DeafBlind Interveners, please visit their website or contact Julie Brickhouse.

In addition to ECU’s program, the following four programs offer university coursework: