For Educators

For Educators

DB-LINK is a national information clearinghouse on children who are considered deaf-blind or dually sensory impaired. They have a comprehensive library of topics, including causes and characteristics of deaf-blindness. The DB-Link staff is available to help you use the database and obtain publications. DB-LINK also offers email discussion groups, training activities, people and program finders and more. Contact by phone at 800-438-9376 (Voice) 800-854-7013 (TTY) or visit DB-Link on the web at http://www.dblink.org.

Interpreters in Schools: Now Required to Meet New Standards. Many children who are deaf or hard of hearing attend general education, or mainstream classes with the support of a sign language or cued speech interpreter. The skills and abilities of the interpreter plays a huge role in the success of these students, therefore the importance of having a qualified interpreter cannot be overemphasized. Prior to July 1, 2007, however, Illinois interpreters were not required to satisfy any educational or skill based standards. The good news for students with hearing loss is that, effective July 1, 2007, educational interpreters in Illinois are now being required to meet approval standards set by the Illinois State Board of Education. These standards establish minimum skill levels and education as well as requirements for continuing professional development for educational interpreters. The Illinois State Board of Education defines an educational interpreter as “…anyone whose job entails the facilitation of communication between students who are deaf or hard of hearing and individuals who are hearing….whether the individual has the title of “aide”, “interpreter”, “assistant”, or “teacher”, if it is their responsibility to facilitate communication as noted…” (Taken from the Illinois State Board of Education website, “Approval of Educational Interpreters: Frequently Asked Questions”. For more information on ISBE approval standards for educational interpreters, go to: http://www.isbe.net/rules/archive/pdfs/25ark.pdf

Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) North Central Regional Office regional representatives provide consultation and technical assistance to persons who are deaf-blind and their families and to public and private agencies in their region. They locate, assist and refer individuals to the most appropriate programs for services, if needed. The states covered by this regional office are IL, IN, OH, MI, MN, and WI.

Laura J. Thomas (HKNC5LJT@aol.com)
Regional Representative
485 Avenue of the Cities, Suite 5
East Moline, IL 61244-4040
(309) 755-0018 Voice/TTY/VP
(309) 755-0025 Fax
(866) 327-8877 (video relay service) When prompted, give office telephone number.

The Philip J. Rock Center and School (PRC) serves two distinct functions in providing services to individuals who are deaf-blind.

The PRC residential school offers a comprehensive educational program, for children who are deaf-blind, in the 3-21 year age group.

The PRC Center provides a wide range of technical assistance services on a statewide basis. Services are provided in schools, medical settings, early intervention centers and homes.

The combined Center and School concept makes possible a program which provides a continuum of services to children who are deaf-blind and their families, as well as limited services to the adults who are deaf-blind. The Center and School is operated by The Illinois State Board of Education. The primary goal of the Philip J. Rock Center and School is to help people who are deaf-blind achieve maximum independence based on their individual potential. To learn more visit www.project-reach-illinois.org.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

Illinois Lifespan Project provides current information about training opportunities throughout the state of Illinois on its website at http://www.illinoislifespan.org/events/index.asp. IABDB provides this link for reference purposes only and does not recommend or endorse any of the trainings listed.