Laura J. Thomas (HKNC5LJT@aol.com)
Northern Illinois University offers a program through the Department of Communicative Disorders for rehabilitation professionals to expand their knowledge and skills in providing services to persons who are deaf-blind. The goal of this program is to significantly impact the delivery of rehabilitation services to persons who are deaf-blind and is aimed at professionals who have knowledge and experience in providing services to persons who are either deaf or blind, but lack expertise in applying these skills to persons who are deaf-blind. For more information call (815) 753-6545 or visit http://www.niu.edu/ahcd/undergrad/comd/rehab_train.shtml.
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.
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.
