What's Your Transition Story?  One-on-One with RJ

Last fall the Indiana Deaf-Blind Services Project had the opportunity to talk with RJ Crace, a young man who, when asked to describe himself, responded, “I am a 29 year old adult who is blind and hard of hearing”. While this is true, we want to take this opportunity to share a bit more about this young man. Anyone who knows RJ knows he is a remarkable young man who is highly intelligent, articulate, and gracious. He is also, as the viewer will soon learn, a strong advocate, both for himself and others. It was such a pleasure to interview him.  Please take some time and watch our conversation with this remarkable deaf-blind, young adult as he shares his insights regarding his education and transition experiences!

Accessing the Dream: Preparing Deaf-Blind Youth for a Self-Determined Life

Over the last 11 years, regional Transition Institutes have brought state deaf-blind projects, the National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB), families, and young adults together to share stories and experiences, learn about resources, and practice self-determination skills. What has evolved tells a compelling story and has produced knowledge to share. This video product from the National Center on Deaf-Blindness uses a taxonomy of effective transition practices to: promote youth perspectives on self-determination, access, and networking; build the capacity of service providers to prepare youth for college and career; raise expectations of families so they can better support their child; and promote interagency collaboration.

In their own words, young adults, families and practitioners, educate us about what works when planning for the future! We hope that you will share this video with others who are interested in supporting young adults of transition age.

Check it out and meet our Indiana Participants - the Renterias!

National Center on Deaf-Blindness (Producer). (2016). Accessing the dream: Preparing deaf-blind youth for a self-determined life [Video file].