Deaf-Blind Program Specialist
Project Description:
Individuals who have a combined hearing and vision loss have unique needs, in that many of the accommodations utilized by persons who are Deaf or by persons who are combined vision and hearing loss is the reduced ability to communicate with others. The ability to live and work independently is also effected. In South Dakota, the Department of Human Services-Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired is the desgnated state agency, in which services to youths and adults who are Deaf-Blind are provided. The Deaf-Blind Program Specialist serves as a consultant and resouce for service providers, consumers, and families affiliated with this agency. Services provided by the Deaf-Blind Program Specialist include consultation, information dissemination and training, and resource linkage. The Deaf-Blind Program Specialist has a background in deafness, having been raised in a family with Deaf parents, being maried to a Deaf man, having a child who is Deaf-Blind, and she herself having a hearing loss. It is expected that through the appropriate delivery of services, individuals who experience a combined hearing and vision loss, will be able to develop/maintain relation ships and independence in all aspects of their life.
Keyword(s):
Deaf-Blind, Combined hearing and vision loss, services to the blind
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Child Care-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Other - Assistive Technology, Other - Leadership
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
