DeafBlind Child Count Confidentiality and Release of Information Issues
The Florida & Virgin Islands (FAVI) Deafblind Collaborative is funded by and reports to the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). We are charged with maintaining a registry of eligible individuals who experience both hearing and vision loss (with or without additional disabling conditions) for the purpose of making available technical assistance and training to families, educators, other professionals, and community members. We have been advised that the release of information for the Florida DeafBlind Registry and DeafBlind Child Count does not violate the Family Education and Privacy Act (FERPA) according to the US Code
of Federal Regulations Title 34 Part 99 Section 31 for the following reason:
Sec.99.31(a)(6)(i) The disclosure is to organizations conducting studies for, or
on behalf of, educational agencies or institutions to:
(A) Develop, validate, or administer predictive tests;
(B) Administer student aid programs; or
(C) Improve instruction.
Sec.99.31(a)(6)(iv) For the purposes of paragraph (a)(6) of this section, the term organization includes, but is not limited to, Federal, State, and local agencies, and independent organizations.
De-identified census data (EXCLUDING the names and addresses of students, guardians, and district personnel) from all states are collected by the National Consortium on DeafBlindness on behalf of the Office of Special Education Programs.
If you have any questions, please contact Shelly Voelker at shellyv@ufl.edu or 352-275-9505