Start Main ContentFrequently Asked Questions
Q. What does the term “deaf-blind” mean?
A. According to the Federal definition as cited in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, section 300.7c2, “deaf-blindness means concomitant hearing and visual impairments, the combination of which causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that they cannot be accommodated in special education programs solely for children with deafness or children with blindness.”
Some people who are deaf-blind are totally blind and totally deaf. Many others are hard-of-hearing and have some useful vision. These combinations are illustrated in the following diagram devised by Ruth Coppersmith.
Hearing |
Hard of Hearing |
Deaf |
|
Sighted |
“Normal” Hearing “Normal” Vision |
Hard of Hearing “Normal” Vision |
Deaf “Normal” Vision |
Partially Sighted |
Deaf “Normal” Vision |
DEAF-BLIND |
DEAF-BLIND |
Blind |
“Normal” Hearing Blind |
DEAF-BLIND |
DEAF-BLIND |
Q. Are there other terms that mean the same as deaf-blind, or having a combined vision and hearing loss?
A. Yes, the state of Florida as well as other states use the term “dual-sensory impairment”
Q. Who is eligible to receive services from the Florida Outreach Project?
A. Family members, educators, and other service providers of children and young adults are eligible to receive services if the individual (regardless of whether he or she has other disabilities in addition to the sensory loss):
- Resides in Florida,
- Aged birth through 21 years, and
- Meets one of the following criteria:
* has a documented vision and hearing loss, or
* is suspected of having a vision and hearing loss, or
* is at risk for having a vision and a hearing loss because of etiology (e.g., having a syndrome or medical condition that may cause deaf-blindness now or in the future)
Q. How are referrals made?
A. Referrals may be made by parents, guardians, school personnel, medical professionals, and employees from other agencies. Referrals can be made by phone (1-800-667-4052) or by email: shellyv@ufl.edu
Q. Why are there services for children and young adults who have combined vision and hearing losses?
A. Deaf-blindness creates unique needs in the following areas for people who have the disability: increasing communication skills, building social relationships, improving mobility, and receiving and providing information for learning new skills. In turn, the range in types and in degrees of loss in both senses among people who are deaf-blind create unique challenges for all concerned. Information, training, and technical assistance can assist families, educators, and service providers in meeting those challenges.
Q. What services does Florida Outreach Project provide?
A. The Florida Outreach Project provides the following services:
- individualized technical assistance
- individualized training and topical workshops
- lending library
- referral services, and
- assistance with the identification of children and young adults who are deaf-blind
Q. Is there any cost for services?
A. No, our services are free because we are funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.
Q. How do I get more information about the Florida Outreach Project?
A. Staff can be reached at the following location:
Florida Outreach Project
University of Florida
PO Box 100234
Gainesville, FL 32610-0234
(toll free) 800-667-4052
(local) 352-846-2758
(e-mail) shellyv@ufl.edu