1. Identifying and Serving Students who are DeafBlind with Formal Language: An Evolving Challenge for Our Field
June 13, 2108
Robbie Blaha and Matt Schultz
Texas DeafBlind Project
Cathy Lyle
Minnesota Deafblind Project

2. Rubella Pandemic
This marked the beginning of our field as we know it today.
Our intervention strategies were developed to serve this population of children.

3. A shift in our field Things were changing- clues…
Referrals for on-sites began to increase for academic kids population

4. A shift in our field (cont.)
The onsite visits began to show a trend in student characteristics:
Proficient language
No intellectual disability
Served in the regular classroom 80% of school day
Regular or modified general curriculum (not alternative)

5. A shift in our field (cont.)
“Kinda” informal until the census was sorted by the variable of state testing
32% of our census were not taking alternative testing.
2017 Data shows 23%

6. Responding to the clues
Gathered information and formed into characteristics/needs for programming
Shared on onsite TA activities including TDB pilots
Included in our past grant cycle current grant
Formed an advisory board that gave recommendations for resources and a state definition of this population

7. What we learned
The students are struggling. Especially in these two areas:
Access to information/pacing
Concept development

8. IEP Checklist

9. Case Study: Reese

10. Identified Concerns from Team
Reese is a highly motivated student that does well (As and Bs).
Memorizes facts. Does not generalize info well.
Knowledge does not translate well to conversation.
When asked who her best friend was, she replied “Jimmy Kimmel”.

11. Requisite Concept Evaluation Process
Team gathered for a discussion around Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills in the area of Social Studies, K-4th grade.
Developed a battery of questions based on the state curriculum to identify conceptual gaps and ceilings.

12. RCE Outcome Conceptual ceiling was 2nd grade.
Several gaps were prioritized and plan developed to fill them.

13. A plan comes together
Through the evaluation of TEKS and the team’s discussion, important conceptual themes emerged.
Reese’s interests were discussed and prioritized.
A plan for instruction followed.

14. Instructional Plan
Reese picks a historical figure to research. Teacher creates question template to guide research.
Allows for student led exploration and discovery. Helps her learn to research and categorize topics of interest.
Reese (w/ classmates) builds timeline representing important actions/events of chosen historical figure.
Opportunity for conversations with peers where context is clear to all.
Have student interview family members to add personalized info to timeline.
Connects abstract info to self. Opportunities for additional conversations. .

15. Checklist Items Addressed
Item #1: Address requisite concept development through assessment and instruction
Item # 2: Modify the curricular content, develop standard based IEPs.
Item #5: Apply adaptations and modifications to homework assignments.
Item #9: Consider the need for direct instruction in social skills

16. Hunter

17. 2. Address requisite concept development through assessment and instruction
How did we know that concept development was an issue?
As a team, how do you determine what the student needs to know prior to engaging in a lesson?

18. 7. Monitor indicators of stress
How does the student show that he or she is becoming stressed?
How does the team assist the student in reducing or managing stress?

19. 3. Build time into the day for individual and small group work
How can you create pockets for learning during the day for the student?

20. 12. Consider the need for additional resources, training and/or staff to provide in class support (intervener, additional interpreter etc)

21. Our Current Activities
IEP list of considerations: validation
Development of strategies and resources
Gather common characteristics that can help with identification

22. Reaching Out for Collaboration:
Identification: Characteristics to Utilize the Census
Definition
Consolidation of Resources: One Stop Shopping
Fill in the Gaps

23. Thank you for joining us!