The Indiana Deaf-Blind Services Project is a federally-funded grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, administered by the Blumberg Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Special Education. The project provides technical assistance, training, and support for children and young adults who have a combined vision and hearing loss, their families, and educators who work with these individuals.
Our Mission
The Project is committed to helping individuals who are deaf-blind reach their full potential and be valued and contributing members of their communities. This is accomplished by providing person-centered educational training to individuals, their families, and educators using effective educational strategies.
Our Goals
- To ensure that children and young adults with combined vision and hearing loss have the educational support necessary to successfully complete school and be better prepared for adult life.
- To empower families so that they are better able to participate in educational and life planning, as well as become better advocates and leaders in their school, community and state.
- To provide educators with increased skills in using evidence-based practices so that students can participate more fully in inclusive settings.
- To foster leadership and collaboration among state/local education, early intervention, and community agencies.
Our Philosophy
- Families are the one “constant” in the lives of persons who are deaf-blind.
- All individuals can learn and contribute.
- There is no single profile of a person who is deaf-blind.
- Individuals who are deaf-blind can participate in almost any activity in almost every learning environment.
- Individuals who are deaf-blind communicate in a variety of ways.
- Family/caregiver involvement is the key ingredient in the successful education of persons who are deaf-blind.
- Families/caregivers are the best advocates for the individual who is deaf-blind.
- Student centered educational teams are critical for the success of the student.
- Activities should value all children and families; therefore, all activities should be as family centered as possible.
- Student centered educational teams are critical for the success of the student.
- Educational and support assistance activities should be individualized for each person and should have specific outcomes that are clear to both families and service providers.