An Introduction to the “new” NCDB …a webinar for the National Deaf-Blind TA Network November 13, 2013 November 15, 2013 Presented by: D. Jay Gense, Director

Consortium Members: -TEACHING RESEARCH INSTITUTE, WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY -HELEN KELLER NATIONAL CENTER -PERKINS NCDB ~~ designed to address: …emerging trends, gap/weaknesses, and existing and new opportunities

Trends Increasingly complex learners Early identification Educational Placements

Gaps / Weaknesses Serving local needs Lack of alignment with parent organizations Reflection in Common Core adoptions Lack of teachers of DB Intervener services Lack of systemic integration of DB Network services

Opportunities Availability of a strong DB network Partnerships Technologies

Responses

Goal #1 Focus: Development of an efficient, integrated, collaborative national system for delivery of deaf-blind TA and facilitation of its use by the Deaf-Blind TA Network

Targeted activities: Facilitate community engagement Establish Technical Work Groups (TWGs) Host annual Deaf-Blind Summit Maintain, expand, and facilitate use of NCDB website Foster culture of collaboration

Goal #2 – Focus: Promote the use of evidence- based interventions and instruction for infants, children and youth who are deaf-blind

Targeted activities: Identify, synthesize, and make available evidence based practices Develop evidence based products YEARS 1 & 2: Intervener services (including OHOA modules) Literacy Transition

Goal #3 Focus: Delivery of TA at universal, targeted, and intensive levels in focused areas of high need

Targeted activities: Implementation science and DB Technical Assistance Addressing high need areas YEAR 1 Early identification Intervener services Promotion of state-driven (MOU) efforts

Goal #4 Implement the “Recommendations for Improving Intervener Services” (made by NCDB to OSEP in 2012)

Targeted activities: YEAR 1: Awareness Training OHOA Modules Tools IEP Guide

Goal #5 Focus: Improve opportunities for high-quality family engagement and partnerships, including enhanced collaborations with the Parent Centers

Targeted activities: Alignment of efforts to leverage resources On-line repository of parent leadership training materials Partner with DB Network, PTI Network, and Parent organizations to identify parent leaders

Goal #6 Focus: Conduct an annual national child count of children who are deaf-blind, ensuring that accurate data to inform practice in presented in an efficient and useful manner

Broad Outcomes - Summary Improved integration of services Increased participation by external partners Enhanced diffusion of evidence-based instructional strategies Strengthened national infrastructure for intervener services; Delivery of TA in areas likely to have the most significant impacts; and, Improved opportunities for family engagement.

Integrated Strategies - Summary Use of technologies Product development Communication Resource sharing Community engagement Collaboration with partners Stakeholder participation throughout TWGs Leveraging of resources Participatory development of products Internal and external partners

Immediate Next Steps Group Space – State/Multi-State Projects Schedule ongoing virtual meetings (via Adobe Connect) to continue dialogue Monthly NCDB website drop-in meetings New Project Directors – monthly (or more frequently if needed) Adobe meetings Development of initial TWGs