The Summer Institute on Deaf-Blindness will be a Virtual Institute with top-notch presenters. The purpose of the institute is to provide intermediate and advanced training on the theme of Assessment to Intervention for children who are deaf-blind. Specific topics include assessment and intervention for meaningful engagement, using the Communication Matrix for assessment and goal setting, routines and calendars systems for children who are deaf-blind, and assessment techniques for assistive technology.

Participants: Project staff will select up to 30 individuals to participate in the 2021 Summer Institute. We are searching for committed professionals with a range of experiences, disciplines and geography across ND. This cadre of participants will gain important skills in instruction and team collaboration for serving children and youth with deaf-blindness. Preference will be given to those who have children with deaf-blindness on their caseload, or anticipate having those children on a future caseload.

Format: This institute will utilize Zoom as the primary mechanism for delivery of instruction and participant interaction. This will include large group, small group and individual activities.

Course credit: Participants can obtain Minot State University Continuing Education credit for institute participation. A fee of $50 for one (1) semester hour of credit will be paid by the participant, and then reimbursed upon successful completion of the Institute assignments. The registration process for this course credit will be available once individuals have been accepted for the Institute.

Participant Stipends: All participants who successfully complete the Institute will receive a $150 stipend. This would be in addition to the reimbursement for course credit if the individual did that.

Course participation requirements: All participants must have the technology to participate fully in Zoom, including the video and audio components. Also, all participants will be expected to attend for the two full days of the Institute. This will be critical when there are small group or individual assignments/tasks.

Contact Dr. Brent Askvig if you wish to register and registration is full, [email protected].