NEC Professional Development Opportunities
In addition to technical assistance and training for professionals of students with combined vision and hearing loss, the New England Consortium on Deafblindness additionally provides ongoing professional development and training opportunities. If you would like a PDF version of our current professional development opportunities, click here.
- Foundational Series In Deafblindness
- Online Para/Intervener Training
- NCDB Professional Development Series: Deafblind Strategies
- The Winter summit on Combined Vision and Hearing Loss
Foundational Series in Deafblindness
Introductory Level
Wednesdays from October 14, 2020 through December 16, 2020. Sessions will be facilitated by NEC staff and will utilize the Foundational Modules on Deafblindness. Certificates of attendance will be provided at the end of the webinar series (12 hours). Please note: Registration will close at 12pm the day of the module. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Session 1: Introduction to Deafblindness
October 14, 2020
3:00 to 4:30 PM
This presentation includes an introduction to deafblindness and its various presentations. The session will cover information about deafblind learners and their unique learning needs.
Event Registration Link for Session 1: Introduction to deafblindness
Session 2: Introduction to Vision Loss
October 21, 2020
3:00 to 4:30 PM
Session 2: Introduction to Vision Loss
This session covers acuity measures as well as the various types of vision loss and their implications.
Event Registration Link for Session 2: Introduction to Vision Loss
Session 3: Introduction to Hearing Loss
October 28, 2020
3:00 to 4:30 PM
This session will cover the types of hearing loss and their causes, as well as basic information about sound and hearing (pitch, frequency, etc.).
Event Registration Link for Session 3: Introduction to Hearing Loss
Session 4: Interaction with Objects
November 4, 2020
3:00 to 4:30 PM
This session will cover information about how learners with deafblindness interact with and learn concepts from objects.
Event Registration Link for Session 4: Interaction with Objects
Session 5: Interactions with Touch
November 18, 2020
3:00 to 4:30 PM
This session covers the importance of touch for learners with deafblindness and covers the basics of hand under hand techniques, assessment, and environmental considerations.
Event Registration Link for Session 5: Interactions with Touch
Session 6: Hand-Under-Hand
December 2, 2020
3:00 to 4:30 PM
An in-depth session about hand under hand strategies and techniques.
Event Registration Link for Session 6: Hand-Under-Hand
Session 7: Development of Communication
December 9, 2020
3:00 to 4:30 PM
This session covers the overall stages of communication development and the intentionality of communication. Attendees will learn about communicative strategies for learners with deafblindness.
Event Registration Link for Session 7: Development of Communication
Session 8: Utilizing Routines and Calendar Systems
December 16, 2020
3:00 to 4:30 PM
Session 8: Utilizing Routines and Calendar Systems
This session includes the basics of calendar systems, materials, and how to implement their use with learners who have combined vision and hearing loss.
Event Registration Link for Session 8: Utilizing Routines and Calendar Systems
Para/Intervener Training in Deafblindness (On-line Modules)
October 16, 2020 to December 16, 2020
This training utilizes a self-paced module completion format. As soon as you complete one module, you will be enrolled in the next module. The modules were created by NCDB, lead to certification as an intervener, and can also be used by providers for more in-depth professional development in deafblindness. The modules are more intensive than intro level training and each module takes about 6-8 hrs. to complete. The first cohort will be offered fall 2020, with ongoing facilitation to support engagement and completion. There are 27 modules in total – the first cohort will cover the following:
Module 1: Overview of Deaf-Blindness and Instructional Principles
Module 2: Sensory Systems, Brain and Learning
Module 4: Building Trusting Relationships and Positive Self Image
Module 5: Availability for Learning
Module 25: Touch for Connecting and Learning
Facilitated by Tina Hertzog, co-author of several NCDB modules, and national trainer in deafblindness and online learning.
NCDB Professional development Series: Deafblind Strategies
The National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB):
Six webinars on instructional strategies for children and youth who are deaf-blind. Audience: families, educators, and others interested in deafblindness.
Click here for more information
The Winter Summit on Combined Vision and Hearing Loss
Fridays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
January 29th, 2021, February 5th, 2021, February 12th, 2021, February 19th, 2021.
To view the full agenda for this event, click here.
Please note: These sessions are virtual. You may register for any of the sessions that are of interest to you, there is no requirement to attend all of them.
Hearing Loss and Educational Implications
Friday, January 29th, 2021
8:45 am to 3:00pm
This session covers the types and classification of hearing loss, the latest audiological news, assistive listening devices, and sign language.
Vision Loss and Educational Implications
Friday, February 5th, 2021
9:00am to 3:00pm
This session covers an overview of the educational system, basic eye conditions, brain based visual impairments, and a discussion.
Cytomegalovirus Awareness Day
Friday, February 12th, 2021
9:00am to 3:00pm
This session covers cytomegalovirus and congenital cytomegalovirus, audiological and visual considerations related to the condition, the need for universal screen and proper precautions, and parent perspectives.
Communication Considerations, Strategies, Devices, and Consultation
Friday, February 19th, 2021
10:00am to 3:00pm
This session covers effective communication strategies to support children with multiple disaffiliates and consultation for learners with complex needs.