ID: A student and her intervener sit together in front of a tangible symbol schedule. The Intervener signs hand under hand

A middle school female student is using an iPad. She is matching the letters in a game.

A female teacher and a female elementary student are working on an activity with their hands in a bin with beans. The teacher uses hand over hand to support the student on how to use the scooper to move the beans from the large pin to the small cups.

DeafBlind Educational Services

Services:

Teacher of the Blind and Low Vision works daily with students and their teams

Consulting Orientation and Mobility Specialist (O&M) works daily with students and their teams

Interveners coached by the New York DeafBlind Collaboration (NYDBC) on the Open Hands Open Access (OHOA): DeafBlind Intervener Learning Modules

Continuing Professional Learning in collaboration with the Perkins School for the Blind & NYDBC

Service Delivery Models include:

1:1 Pull-Out Sessions, Push-In Sessions and Community Experience Sessions

Consultants work with school staff (classroom, special teachers, service providers, supervisors and maintenance) to provide accommodations & modifications to the school environment that make the learning environment safer and more accessible

Intervener paraprofessional, if needed

Classrooms and Therapy Rooms equipped with adaptive and enabling devices and toys

Active Learning Approach

Expanded Core Curriculum

Continued professional development in collaboration with agencies such as the NY DeafBlind Collaborative, Helen Keller National Center, Visions and NY State Commission for the Blind

Examples of Modifications and Accommodations:

Large size paper to accommodate large size font

Colored paper to enhance contrast of the print on the background

Tactile tiles to use for scheduling and alternative communication

Cushions on open door frames, cushions on stair posts

Tactile tape on the edge of steps outside and inside the building

Magnifying lamps, Low vision monoculars

Visual/Tangible Symbols

Mobility & Adapted Mobility Devices

Seating accommodations: student with low vision sit with their backs to the window so the glare of light coming through the windows as less of an impact on their vision.

Hallways with no clutter to ensure safe walking areas

Modified activities in the classroom, gym, art, and recommended services

Tactile items for lessons to offer the student a full sensory experience when learning new information and reinforcing the retention of previous information.