Early Identification and Intervention 

In order for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) to be identified, collaborative practices are recommended between the early childhood special education teacher, the teacher of deaf/hard of hearing, and the teacher of blind/visually impaired.  For children who are DeafBlind and have multiple disabilities, this may also include the teacher of physical/health disabilities and other low-incidence disability teachers.

The following Quick Cards were developed through a collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota Low Incidence Projects to help early childhood special education (ECSE) teams to identify children with combined hearing and vision loss (deafblindness) at an earlier age.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is now being screened at birth in Minnesota as of February 2023.  If you wish to learn more about congenital CMV, which may cause deafblindness, you can learn more information by registering to watch two free asynchronous courses:  

• All Aboard! Potential Impacts of cCMV in Early Childhood Special Education in Minnesota

• All Hands on Deck! Supporting the Development of Children with Congenital Cytomegalovirus.