Consultation and training is provided in the home, classroom, work and community, and includes video conferencing. Support to early childhood and educational teams focus on collaboration, assessment, and program development.
Key topics targeted in consultation and training includes:
Communication/Language Development
Vision and Hearing Skills and Related Environmental Arrangements
Strategies to Support Successful Early and Later Transitions
Parent Training and Networking Opportunities
Birth to Age 6 (Early Intervention and Early Childhood)
Combined vision and hearing loss often results in delays in communication and overall development. Early identification of combined vision and hearing loss is critical to ensure children and families receive specialized services.
Recognizing the importance of early identification and referral, NEC offers consultation and training to early intervention/early childhood providers regarding:
Conditions Associated with Deafblindness
Evidenced-Based Practices Related to Early Assessment, Intervention, and Curriculum
Parent Self/Advocacy in the IFSP/IEP Process
Age 6 to 21 (School-Age into Young Adulthood)
NEC consultants and affiliated agencies provide School-Based Consultations (onsite or via video conferencing) focused on assessment, instruction, and curriculum.
Additional Topics Include:
Common Core Curriculum and Expanded Core Curriculum
Person-Centered Planning and Strategies to Promote Transition to Adult Services
Parent Self-Advocacy in the IEP and Transition Process
Paraprofessional Training/The Use of Interveners in the Classroom
National Center on Deafblindness – Online Learning Modules
State and Regional Trainings:
State and regional trainings highlight “evidence-based practices” in deafblind education with an emphasis on development of leadership skills for service providers and families.
State and regional leadership trainings target:
Communication/Language Development Strategies
Impact of Combined Vision and Hearing Loss
Assessment, Intervention, and Curriculum
Strategies for Successful Transitions
Family Training and Networking Opportunities
Supporting Parent Participation in the Educational Planning Process
Development of Leadership and Consultation Skills
Dissemination of materials and resources includes information about “evidence-based practices” in deafblind education and related fields, training opportunities, community resources, newsletters, and informational packets for families, service providers, and community agencies.