 Network News
Calling All Family Leaders
This summer, NFADB will be hosting their parent leadership conference in Austin, TX, July 16 – 18, at St. Edwards University. The day prior, on July 15, NCDB will be holding a family specialist training for individuals who serve in the role of Family Specialist for their state deaf-blind project. The agenda for the family specialist day includes:
- Taking a strategic approach to engaging and connecting families, and
- Mentoring and supporting families.
We hope that all family specialists working for state deaf-blind projects will be able to attend both events. Formal registration for the symposium will begin soon via the NFADB website. As we all know, the cornerstone of a successful life for a learner who experiences deaf-blindness is a strong support system. This training will be a major step forward in advancing parent leadership skills and building family networks. Questions? Contact Clara Berg or Megan Cote.
Early Identification & Referral Webinars Grow Collaborative Results
In October 2015, NCDB’s Early Identification & Referral Initiative launched a series of webinars designed to create opportunities for state deaf-blind projects to share experiences and successes with outreach to Part C, EHDI, Medical Systems and Community Programs. Recordings of any of these webinars can be viewed from the NCDB website. Suggestions generated at these webinars have produced some great partnership opportunities. From the Part C webinar, a workgroup has been created to identify intervention materials applicable for the Part C system. In March, Carol Darrah (GA), Emma Nelson (VT) and Megan Cote (NCDB) will be providing a two hour webinar for Part C providers in Pennsylvania and, in May, there will be a full day training for Part C providers in Indiana. Materials from these presentations will be adapted and made available to state projects to use in outreach and training efforts. If you are interested in joining the work group or have questions related to this initiative, contact Megan Cote.
 Tools for TA
Accessing the Dream
NCDB is close to the release of a new multimedia video product that captures the purpose and energy of the Transition Institute. The annual Transition Institute is the result of sustained collaboration between state projects in the southeast region of the country and strong partnerships with families and young adults who are deaf-blind. The video is a compilation of interviews with youth, families and services providers sharing their perspectives on self-determination, raising expectations and good transition planning. Enjoy this short clip:
Alternative Accessible Content
IEP Discussion Guide
NCDB’s newest tool is designed to help IEP teams make informed decisions about the use of intervener services. Are Intervener Services Appropriate for Your Student With Deaf-Blindness? An IEP Team Discussion Guide organizes information related to the ways that combined vision and hearing loss limit access to information, communication, social relationships, and conceptual learning. Organizing this information promotes discussion that then helps teams to better make decisions about the need for appropriate supports and accommodations. The IEP guide, along with other NCDB products, can be found in the website library.
 Mark Your Calendars
National Webinars
NCDB continues its national webinars into spring. On April 6, Dr. Charity Rowland will present on the Communication Matrix Virtual Community of Practice and later in the month, on April 13, Megan Cote and Peggy Malloy will share their findings in the webinar Highlighting Collaborations: State DB and Parent Centers.
Check out News and Events for additional details.
CEC and DVIDB
CEC’s Division on Visual Impairments and Deafblindness (DVIDB) has a lot going on at their convention beginning April 13, 2016. Check out this poster of activities and watch for the DBConnect social media feed on the NCDB website home page.
State Portal Drop In Opportunity
If you are a state deaf-blind project staff, you may notice that you are now receiving notifications from the State Project Portal within the NCDB website. Drop in on March 30, 2016 at 12:00 noon Pacific time to learn more about using the features included in the portal. Watch the Portal Events section for additional information.
Transition Institute Registration Open
The 2016 Transition Institute for Young Adults who are Deaf-Blind and their Families will be held June 16-19, 2016 in Athens, GA. Registrations are due in early April!
State Projects Come Together in DC
The annual DB Summit will be held Sunday, July 31, 2016. This year will be a one day meeting. Watch for additional information coming soon.
Registration Open for 2016 OSEP Project Directors Meeting
Check here for registration link and additional information. All conference attendees must register online.
 Make Note
ECU Offers Graduate Opportunity in Deafblindness
East Carolina University is offering online coursework for individuals interested in pursuing the ECU Graduate Certificate in Deafblindness. Details can be found here.
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