 Network News
State DB Projects and NCDB to Meet in July for DB Summit
The federally funded deaf-blind projects will meet on Sunday, July 31 in Washington, DC. This year’s meeting will focus on strengthening collaboration to improve our national technical assistance. As part of pre Summit planning, NCDB Project Director, Linda McDowell, hosted one on one conversations with state project staff. After nearly 45 calls she offered this reflection. "I heard the challenges in providing technical assistance in deaf-blindness, but also the huge rewards. We value our network life – relying on each other for counsel and comfort. We continue to appreciate our cross project communication - although some of us struggle with moving to more virtual conversations and less face to face. We do have much to celebrate and I could hear that as people shared their success with new products and collaborations. I really appreciated the encouraging conversations".
NFADB Symposium and Coordinator Training in July
There is tremendous power generated when families come together. More than 100 family leaders from across the nation will gather in Austin, TX, July 16 -18 to attend the National Family Association for Deaf-Blind’s (NFADB) Symposium. “Mobilizing a National Family Leadership Network: Improving Outcomes in Education and Services for Individuals Who Are Deaf-Blind,” creates opportunities for new friendships, learning together and essential planning.
Before the symposium, on July 15, NCDB will host a day-long training for individuals serving in the role of Family Engagement Coordinator for their state deaf-blind project. The day will combine training and action planning. The training will focus on the resource, Serving on Groups That Make Decisions: A Guide for Families. We are excited that Jan Serak, Director of the Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training & Support, will be co-facilitating this training.
EI/R Workgroup Formed to Enhance Intervention Practices for Part C Providers
This year, NCDB hosted a series of six national
webinars related to the Early Identification and Referral process in which states shared strategies they have used for outreach to one of the following targeted systems: EHDI, Part C, Community Programs, and the Medical Community. A huge thanks to all of the states who bravely shared their work and lessons learned. In conjunction with this series, a workgroup comprised of state deaf-blind project coordinators and directors has formed to begin to look at intervention practices for Part C service providers and coordinators. This workgroup will produce a collection of resources and training materials, based on developmental domains and DEC recommended practices, that state deaf-blind projects can use with Part C providers in their states. If you have questions related to this initiative, contact Megan Cote.
 Tools for TA
Accessing the Dream
Transition Institutes have historically sought to bring together young adults and their families to build skills and provide training in the pursuit of better personal transition outcomes. NCDB’s newest product, Accessing the Dream: Preparing Deaf-Blind Youth for a Self-Determined Life, is a multi-media presentation capturing the purpose and energy of the annual Transition Institute. In their own words, young adults who are deaf-blind, families and service providers share their perspectives on self-determination, raising expectations and the critical elements of effective transition planning.
Working Together for Families
Many state deaf-blind projects partner with parent centers to better serve families in their states. A new product from NCDB, Working Together for Families, highlights the practical strategies projects and centers use to be more effective in their work with families. The strategies are organized using a collaboration framework, making it easy to understand the possibilities for sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise in order to strengthen services. There are great examples of state stories included in this resource.
 Mark Your Calendars
DB Summit Planning
The first DB Summit Planning webinar was held June 15. If you missed it, the recording can be found here. DB Summit Planning Webinar #2 for state deaf-blind projects is scheduled for July 20, 2016. Watch the State Project Portal for details.
In preparation for DB Summit, NCDB will host small group opportunities for planning and feedback the week of July 11, 2016. Dates and times will be posted in the State Project Portal.
Deaf-Blind Summit 2016 Open for Registration
The annual DB Summit will be held Sunday, July 31, 2016. This year will be a one day meeting. All who are planning to attend the DB Summit day must complete a DB Summit registration form by July 1. Contact Sam Morgan, Ph: 516-833-8311 if you have questions about DB Summit.
Registration Open until July 15 for 2016 OSEP Project Directors Meeting
Check here for OSEP registration link and additional information. All conference attendees must register online.
 Make Note
Perkins Launches New Website
Perkins has launched a new treasure trove of information with their Paths to Technology website. The site digests information about technology applications, accessibility and student perspectives on the use of technology.
New OSEP Ideas That Work Website
The Technical Assistance and Coordination Center came to an end in 2016. Resources and materials that had been created and maintained by TACC at www.tadnet.org have migrated over to the new OSEP IDEAS that Work website www.osepideasthatwork.org. The new website has great resources for federally funded stakeholders.
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