Deaf-Blindness

"Deaf-blindness" means simultaneous hearing and visual impairments, the combination of which causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with deafness or children with blindness.

Common Characteristics

• • • Reduced ability to gather information from the environment

    • Reduced ability to form relationships and respond to interactions with others in typical ways

    • Orientation and mobility issues

Criteria

• • • Severe communication delays are documented

    • Severe delays in all developmental areas exist

    • May exhibit other health and/or motor impairments

VDOE Guidance/Resources

• Guidelines For Working With Students Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing In Virginia Public Schools - Revised September 2019 (word)

• VDOE-Deaf-Blindness Eligibility (PDF)

• Educational Interpreting Services (PDF)

• Training & Technical Assistance Centers (T/TAC) – funded by VDOE, work to improve educational opportunities and contribute to the success of children and youth with disabilities (birth - 22 years).

• Guidelines for School Division Policy Regarding Service Dogs in Virginia's Public Schools (PDF)

• See also Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Visual Impairment including Blindness