National Center On Deaf-Blindness

Learn how concrete symbols are used with children who are deaf-blind and how their use promotes presymbolic communication in this week’s info topic, Use of Concrete Symbols. #NCDBInfoTopic https://www.nationaldb.org//educational-/concrete-symbols/

Most of NCDB’s work focuses on four national initiative areas designed to address key needs of children with deaf- blindness, their families, and their service providers. Children are better educated and have more successful transitions to adult life when these needs are addressed. To learn more, see our national initiatives page. https://www.nationaldb.org/national-initiatives/

The final webinar recording in the Professional Development series on IEP Development is posted. If you missed the webinar last Wednesday, you can watch the recording at the link below. https://www.nationaldb.org/updates/IEP-development/

Long before children learn language, they communicate with gestures, vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language. This is what is known as presymbolic or emerging communication. Learn how children who are deaf-blind progress through presymbolic communication in this week’s info topic, Emerging (Presymbolic) Communication. #NCDBInfoTopic https://www.nationaldb.org//educat/emerging-communication/

Rather than learning about concepts incidentally as a result of continual exposure to auditory and visual information, children who are deaf-blind require the teaching of concepts to be a significant part of their educational programs. Learn more in this week’s info topic, Concept Development. #NCDBInfoTopic https://www.nationaldb.org//education/concept-development/

The next webinar in the Professional Development Series on Deaf-Blind Strategies will be December 16 and is titled "IEP Development". Click the link for more information. http://ow.ly/FXXb50CERBr

The last webinar in the Professional Development Series on Deaf-Blindness is tomorrow December 16th on "IEP Development." For more details, see the information below. https://www.nationaldb.org//ncdb-professional-development/

We have recently reorganized its "Key Topics for Families page." If you haven't seen it, be sure to check it out. It has special web pages with tips, strategies, and supports that families of children with deaf-blindness can use to help them navigate their child's services and their family's everyday life. https://www.nationaldb.org/for-families/family-topics/

#DBFamilyFunFacts This week we are revisiting this fun fact of Andrew making jingle bell wreaths. Homemade holiday gifts can be some of the best of all.

NFADB celebrates Family Friday by sharing the wonderful flyers in English and Spanish that announce The Steve Perreault Award in honor of our special friend and... advisor Steve. Steve was instrumental in the development of NFADB and a longtime supporter of families with individuals who are deaf-blind. He worked and volunteered in the field of deaf-blindness nationally and internationally from the 1970s until he passed away in October 2019. Steve championed NFADB’s core belief that individuals who are deaf-blind are valued members of their communities and should have the same opportunities and choices as others in the community. Steve was a kind, caring friend to all and will be dearly missed by our deaf-blind community.

NCDB’s Recommendations to Improve Transition Outcomes for Students with Deaf-Blindness and Additional Disabilities are based on a comprehensive review of laws, policies, and best practices related to transition, and interviews with experts throughout the U.S. The fifth recommendation is about ensuring that students have access to qualified personnel at school and within adult service agencies. #NCDBTransitionRecommendations https://www.nationaldb.org//transition-re/recommendation5/

Regardless of their age or current level of development, all children and youth who are deaf-blind must have methods of communicating available to them that allow for both receptive and expressive communication. Learn more in this week's info topic, Overview of Communication Methods. #NCDBInfoTopic http://ow.ly/iGZc50Ck9Av