Deaf-Blindness is a combination of both hearing and vision loss. A child with this disability may struggle with communication, movement, and learning in ways that are different from children who are only deaf or only blind. This is a rare but complex disability that requires highly individualized support.
How It Might Look in Children:
- Has trouble seeing and hearing, even with aids
- Struggles to understand speech, sounds, or visual cues
- Difficulty learning through traditional methods (reading, listening)
- Needs hands-on, touch-based, or movement-based learning
- May seem disconnected or withdrawn due to sensory challenges
How the School Can Help:
- Provide highly customized communication tools (like tactile sign language or object cues)
- One-on-one instruction and support throughout the day
- Orientation and mobility services for safe movement
- Team of specialists including vision, hearing, and communication professionals
- A safe, supportive learning space with strong routines
How I Can Support You:
- Help guide the evaluation and IEP process
- Coordinate services between school, therapists, and outside agencies
- Provide emotional support and practical tools for families
- Advocate for accessible learning and clear communication
- Offer coaching to staff for hands-on, responsive teaching
Even when a child cannot see or hear the world clearly, they still have a voice — and that voice deserves to be understood.
If your child has both vision and hearing challenges, call or text Laurie at 580–302–0136.