Definition
Deaf-blindness refers to a learner with both hearing and visual impairments, the combination of these causes causes significant communication and other developmental and educational needs.
Characteristics
Characteristics of deaf-blindness include:
- Difficulty bonding with caregivers
- Difficulty interacting with things in the environment in a meaningful way and/or generalizing information
- Inconsistent responses to sounds or visual images
- Trouble learning object permanence
- Typically perceive time very differently
- An overactive startle response
Accommodations
Accommodations for learners with deaf-blindness include, but are not limited to:
- Assistive technology equipment (hearing aids, assistive learning devices)
- Interpreters
- Notetakers
- Braille materials and assistive technology
- Reading machines (for students who are not completely blind)
- Teacher should stay in one spot for the lecture (student may not be able to track sounds from various locations)
- Provide extended time on assignments and assessments
- Eliminate unnecessary background noise
Modifications
Modifications for learners with deaf-blindness include, but are not limited to:
- Orally (or tactually) responding to questions
- Modifying course handouts to include Braille
- Use of bold line paper and raised line paper
- Give student hints or clues for assignments or assessments
- Print and copy assignments in large font
- Print and copy assignments with clear, large photos
Resources
- Students with Disabilities: An Introduction
This all=inclusive resource gives teachers background knowledge on deaf-blindness and assessments to identify and use with these learners.
- Accommodations and Supports for Children who have Combined Hearing and Vision Loss (Deaf-blindness)
A powerpoint dedicated to helping teachers navigate how to best help students who have deaf-blindness. This powerpoint includes accommodations and supports deaf-blind children need to be successful.
- Considerations when Teaching Students Who are Deaf-Blind
A multi-page resource with specific supports teachers can use to help children who are deaf-blind. This includes ways to accommodate and modify curriculum and the learning environment.
- Accommodations and Modifications for Students Who are Blind or Visually Impaired
This website helps teachers through the accommodations and modifications needed for having a deaf-blind student in his/her classroom.
- Teaching Strategies and Content Modifications for the Child with Deaf-Blindness
A website to help teachers better understand how to modify content and pedagogical strategies to cater to a child with deaf=blindness' needs.