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FAVI DeafBlind Collaborative SERVING FLORIDA and the US VIRGIN ISLANDS
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About the FAVI DeafBlind Collaborative Overview

People We Serve

The Florida and Virgin Islands (FAVI) DeafBlind Collaborative assists children and youth, ages birth through 21, who have both hearing loss (diagnosed or suspected) and vision loss (diagnosed or suspected).

Many people who have both hearing loss and vision loss (“deafblindness” or “dual sensory impairment”) are affected by other disabilities.

Regardless of other disabilities, individuals with combined hearing and vision losses are considered to be deafblind. DeafBlind individuals in Florida or the US Virgin Islands are eligible for services from their state deafblind project. These children and young adults are the constituents of the FAVI DeafBlind Collaborative.

The FAVI DeafBlind Collaborative provides information, referrals, individualized consultation, and training to deafblind individuals, their families, and their educational teams. FAVI specializes in providing education to families, as well as professional development to teachers and schools, providers and organizations serving deafblind children, students, and their families.  

Children & Families

The FAVI DeafBlind Collaborative team includes Shelly Voelker, a Family Education Specialist, and Pam Kissoondyal, a Family Engagement Coordinator:

Shelly is the parent of two deafblind sons with additional physical, and developmental disabilities.  Pam is also the parent of children with disabilities.  Both Shelly and Pam have extensive training and experience working with children and families affected by deafblindness and other disabilities.  They are eager to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, connect you with other families, and share resources. Please contact Shelly (email shellyv@ufl.edu) or Pam (email pamsk@ufl.edu) to ask about supports and services for your family.

Young Adults

FAVI specialists have decades of experience supporting adolescents and young adults as they transition among secondary settings and into post-secondary education, vocational training, employment, and adult living. We can help young adults and families plan for post-school outcomes and advocate for supports and services. FAVI can help young adults participate in transition planning and individualized plans for employment.

Educators and Educational Teams

The Florida & Virgin Islands (FAVI) DeafBlind Collaborative specialists have experience teaching deafblind students as a teacher of the deaf/hard-of-hearing, a teacher of the visually impaired, and a teacher of multiple disabilities. FAVI specialists can help educational teams understand the impact of combined hearing and vision losses. FAVI can share promising and evidence-based supports and strategies with teachers, administrators, related services professionals, interveners, other professionals, and paraprofessionals. FAVI specialists can help teams set goals, define objectives and benchmarks, and improve individualized educational programs to better meet the needs of students affected by deafblindness.

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