Deaf-Blindness (DB)

According to the Texas Education Agency (2019) Deaf-blindness means "concomitant 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 traits/characteristics 

• A combination of hearing and vision loss that interferes with communication.

• They use touch to develop their concept of the world around them because physical contact is the main way they experience new things.

Educational challenges:

• The earlier a child is identified in life, the better because this will help the student to receive the appropriate intervention. As a result, students can carefully and successfully prepare for transition into post-secondary education, or into the workforce.

Tips/ recommendations for teachers:

• Include the student in small group or individual instruction.

• The teacher can provide opportunities for tactile experiences.

• The teacher can also help to develop consistent routines for the student.