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Course 3: Assessment and Instructional Planning for Learners who are Deaf-Blind

*Participants wishing to access this course should have had foundational training in deaf-blindness such as Course 1: An Introduction to Deaf-Blindness, NCDB Open Hands Open Access Modules 1-4, or comparable training through your state deaf-blind project. Participants will be asked to provide documentation of training completed after enrollment.

The course includes an overview of assessment strategies, assessment instruments, and the development of specific and measurable IEP goals based on authentic assessment data. In addition, the course includes content from the following Open Hands, Open Access modules: Availability for Learning, Routines for Participation and Learning, Behavior and Environmental Supports, and Introduction to Orientation and Mobility.

An exciting professional development opportunity is available through a collaboration with the University of South Dakota (USD) Deaf-Blind Program and the National Center on Deaf-Blindness. During the Fall of 2021, we will be offering An Introduction to Deaf-Blindness and Assessment and Instructional Planning. The courses will run from August 24th through December 7th.

Course 1: An Introduction to Deaf-Blindness

This first course will provide foundational knowledge of deaf-blindness and the impact of hearing and vision loss on learning and communication, as well as key evidence-based instructional strategies for supporting those with deaf-blindness. This course includes content from the following Open Hands, Open Access modules: Overview of Deaf-Blindness, The Sensory System, the Brain and Learning, Building Trusted Relationships, Touch for Connection and Learning, Maximizing Vision and Hearing, The Role of the Intervener and Intervener Strategies.

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].

Birding is an activity that can bring so much joy and empowerment to everybody, but not everybody is able to go birding easily. Birdability is a non-profit organization focused on removing barriers to access for birders with mobility challenges, blindness or low vision, intellectual or developmental disabilities (including autism), mental illness, being Deaf or Hard of Hearing and other health concerns. Learn about why this should matter to you (even if you don't have an accessibility challenge), ways to be a more welcoming and inclusive birder, the Birdability Map (and how to submit a Birdability Site Review) and our resources for birders (and potential future birders) with accessibility challenges... because birding is for everybody and every body! Presented by Freya McGregor, OTR/L, Birdability Coordinator and Occupational Therapist.