Kendra Buddenberg The Exceptional Child Karla Henderson 21 April 2014

Deaf-Blind Exceptionality Report Definition- According to IDEA deaf-blindness refers to concomitant hearing and visual
impairments, the combination of which causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with deafness or children with blindness. There are approximately 45,000 to 50,000 individuals in the U.S who are deaf-blind. The 2007 National Deaf-Blind Child Count, over 10,000 are children who are under 21 years of age. The age onset of children with deaf-blindness is birth. They are then eligible for Early Intervention Serves. However, the child cannot transition into Special Education Services until age 3.

Classifications:
Congenital Deaf Blindness Acquired Deaf Blindness

Congenital Deaf Blindness occurs when people are born Deaf Blind, whereas Acquired Deaf Blindness occurs later in life.

Causes of Deaf Blindness include:

Infections during pregnancy Prematurity Rare syndromes, such as Usher and CHARGE Illness and accidents Hereditary/Chromosomal Disorders Harmful Chemicals Sensory loss in old age

Characteristics:
Difficulty developing concepts Difficulty communicating and interacting Require specific modifications and support

May be withdrawn or inwardly focused Doesnt react to loud noises or voices Makes little eye contact Doesnt reach out to move towards things Doesnt make sounds

Diagnostic Assessments- Diagnosis for Deaf Blindness first begins with an

audiologist and/or ophthalmologist visit. These specialists will ask questions about the behavior of your child while also looking at his/her eyes and ears. These specialists will be able to identify the problem. If your child does have Deaf Blindness they will begin Early Intervention Services.

Strategies, Interventions, & Adaptive Materials

Intervener (a person who provides individual support to a student who is Deaf Blind) Adaptive and assistive devices Hands-on activities to access information

The communication systems for children with Blind Deafness typically contain a variety of forms which can include signals, tactile sign language, object symbols, tactile symbol systems, Braille, and many others.

Support Services
Early Intervention Services- to address the childs developmental and learning needs Special Education Services- to receive special education and related services to address their individual needs

Resources
Deaf-Blindness. (n.d.). National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from http://nichcy.org/disability/specific/deafblindness NCDB: National Center on Deaf-Blindness. (n.d.). NCDB: National Center on Deaf-Blindness. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from https://nationaldb.org/ National Coalition on Deafblindness. (n.d.). National Coalition on Deafblindness. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from http://www.dbcoalition.org/ SPARKLE. (n.d.). Deafblindness. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from http://www.sparkle.usu.edu/Topics/deafblindness/