The FAVI DeafBlind Collaborative serves children and students who need supports and services to use their hearing and vision effectively. The chart below shows that any level of hearing loss, combined with any level of vision loss, qualifies a child as “deafblind” and makes them eligible for services. Please note that any type of hearing loss, including central auditory processing disorder or auditory neuropathy, can be addressed by FAVI specialists. Any type of vision loss, including cortical or cerebral vision impairment (CVI), also makes a student eleigible for the deafblind registry. Many students served by FAVI have not met their district’s criteria for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing or Blind/Visually Impaired services, and many more will not have “dual sensory impaired” indicated on their IEPs (Individual Education Programs). Most children and young adults with deafblindness have additional disabilities that may be considered their “primary” disabilities.
Please contact Shelly Voelker to discuss who qualifies for services from the FAVI DeafBlind Collaborative.
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If you suspect that a child may not be able to use her/his hearing and vision effectively, please refer the family to the Florida & Virgin Islands Deaf-Blind Collaborative.
For more information on deafblindness, eligibility for the deafblind registry, and access to FAVI supports and services, please contact Dr. Shelly Voelker at 352-275-9505, or mailto:shellyv@ufl.edu.