Family Events and Resources

A variety of virtual and in-person networking for the families of children registered with NEC. Learn about various topics and connect with other parents.

Professional Development

Teaching Children Who are Deafblind Series

A new module created by the National Center on Deafblindness that offers practical, need-to-know information essential for professionals working with children who are deafblind. This is a wonderful opportunity for teams and individual providers to learn how to implement key strategies in their day-to-day work in the classroom!

Facilitator: Maurice Belote, Deafblind Consultant.
Audience: TVIs, TODs, SLPs, OTs, PTs, Parents, Agency Personnel
Certificate provided for full attendance

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PARA/INTERVENER TRAINING, NCDB OPEN HANDS OPEN ACCESS MODULES

Facilitator: Amanda Crayton

Paraprofessionals working with children who are deafblind need specialized training to support instruction and learning. Created by the National Center on Deafblindness (NCDB), the modules provide an overview of support strategies and also incorporate training for those wishing to continue additional training to become a certified Intervener through the NICE (National Intervener Certification E-Portfolio)

What is an Intervener? An intervener is a trained staff member who works one-on-one with a child who is deafblind to provide critical connections to other people and the environment. The intervener opens channels of communication between the child and others, provides access to information, and facilitates opportunities for learning and development.

The OHOA Training is designed to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills related to intervention for students (ages 3 through 21) who are DeafBlind. In addition, the NEC OHOA Training program helps participants identify effective strategies for children with whom they are currently working. The OHOA Training is a pathway to Intervener certification, and assignments completed during the course can be used for the NICE portfolio. Currently, there are several cohorts in process.

Audience: Paraprofessionals, Aides, Teacher Assistants working with DeafBlind students. Professionals interested in learning about the role and strategies Interveners use.

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Professional learning community in deafblindness, virtual leadership series

Goals:
Contribute to and learn within an ongoing “Community of Practice” for providers working with children who are deafblind or at risk
Receive access to Deafblind Leadership Toolbox with resources and specific instructional content
Engage in collegial interaction and share among practitioners working with children and families
Receive individual coaching and support to develop and achieve professional goals and interpersonal skills connected to your current or future job placement
Develop leadership and consultation skills in deafblindness, related fields, and with local and state agencies
Develop and implement a Leadership Action Plan to address the needs of children and youth who are deafblind, their families, and service providers

Facilitators: Sulina Mohanty, Tracy Evans Luiselli, Kristen Layton-Campagna

*Attendance and Leadership Action Plan Required
*Certificate Provided Upon Successful Completion

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The Impact of Cancer Treatment in Children: Considerations for Sensory Assessment and Learning

Providers working with children who have had cancer treatment should be aware of potential neurodevelopmental issues. These sessions will outline the impact of cancer treatment on vision and hearing, and neurocognitive function.