TDB Pilot Project

On this page you will find things like our outline for training, role of the itinerant TDB, and other important documents that specifically pertain to the TDB Pilot Project. Current cohort students can access team files on Google Classroom.

The Teachers of Students who are Deafblind (TDB) Pilot Program

Program Overview

In an effort to establish local support and build local capacity for teachers of students who are deafblind, TSBVI has developed the Teachers of Students who are DeafBlind Pilot Project. TSBVI Outreach, accepts applications for two-year technical assistance projects on a revolving basis. Please contact Deafblind Outreach for more information.

The Teacher of Students who are Deafblind Pilot Project’s goal has been to provide participating teachers and districts with increased knowledge, skills, and strategies in order to develop improved models for serving students who are deafblind. The project includes the expectation of raising the awareness of and the efficacy for a dedicated professional to work with students who are deafblind at a state and local level. The Pilot provides a structured approach to technical assistance for districts that identified a role for highly qualified TDB’s in the IEP process. Most importantly, the project strives to provide quality support for students and their families.

TDB Pilot Program Description

The Teacher of Students who are Deafblind Pilot program provides Regional Service Centers, and local districts, opportunities for partnering and participation in support of new models for teachers of students who are deafblind (TDB). Measurable outcomes will be determined in the areas of: Student Impact, Teacher Impact, and Systems Impact.

The program will be based on a two-year cycle and consist of three in-service dates per year (six total). In-service dates will be supported with on-site technical assistance and distance mentoring. A range of training topics will be presented based on local team needs and established roles of the TDB. Models for both itinerant and self-contained TDB models will be supported, depending on district and student needs.

This program was Developed by the Outreach Department at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. For further information or inquiries contact Chris Montgomery at montgomeryc@tsbvi.edu.

Project Goals and Expected Outcomes

    • Provide participating teachers and districts with increased knowledge, skills, and strategies in order to develop improved models for serving students with deafblindness.

    • Provide a structured approach to technical assistance for districts that identify the need for highly qualified TDB’s in the FIE – ARD - IEP process.

    • Develop teachers who are highly trained in dual sensory impairments, and have the improved understanding of the impact of deafblindness, and the ability to communicate effectively to all team members.

    • Develop improved understanding of the Roles of the TDB from both a team and district wide perspective.

    • Establish local team models, that include school personnel, parents, and outside agencies, who support the unique needs of students with deafblindness.

    • Increased family involvement in IEP planning for students who are deafblind.

Elements of the Project that TSBVI Deafblind Outreach will Provide

    • Opportunities for professional development: a combination of workshops, on-site visits, video conferencing, web-based instruction, and access to the TDB Project specific website.

    • Opportunity for taking university course work specific to deafblind education, through collaboration with The Sensory Support Network, and a pre-service coursework grant with TEA.

    • Support for a TDB partnering/buddy system in order to facilitate a sharing of expertise, experiences, and opportunity for observations in various classroom settings.

    • Support in networking with agencies involved: ESC Deafblind, Deaf Ed., and Vision Specialists, Texas Deafblind Project, and the local ISD.