Individuals who are both deaf and blind have varied needs.  The term "deaf-blind" can refer to a person with low vision or no vision, or who has limited hearing or no hearing.  Intellectual capabilities also range from above average intelligence to low functioning or severe to profound mental retardation.  Individuals who are deaf-blind have a wide range of communication abilities including oral language, sign language and tactile sign language.  Some read large print or Braille, and some are non-readers.  Some individuals may have additional physical disabilities and special health care needs.  The student who is deaf-blind may be mainstreamed or be in schools with a deaf or blind program, a program specifically for students with both disabilities, or a program for students with multiple disabilities.

Individuals who are deaf-blind comprise a unique group among students who have disabilities, with equally unique educational needs.  The major disability of deaf-blindness is information gathering.  A child or toddler who is deaf-blind faces developmental challenges that includes and goes beyond those of children who are developmentally delayed, deaf, or severely visually impaired.  Children and youth who become deaf-blind at a later age face challenges such as the need to learn a tactile language, difficulty with self-esteem, and changes in relationships with family members and educational peers.  The population of children, ages 3 to 21, who are deaf-blind represents a highly heterogeneous group.  Factors such as severity of the vision and hearing impairments, the age of onset of either sensory loss, and the presence of additional disabilities such as motor, cognitive and medical disabilities, reflect a broad array of needs.  The education of children with deaf-blindness is at a crisis.  Many of these students never acquire the knowledge and skills essential for a productive life.  Several factors contribute to this problem.

1. Students are under identified and geographically dispersed.
2. Direct service and instructional personnel are in crucial need.

For an Overview on Deaf-Blindness visit http://www.nationaldb.org/NCDBProducts.php?prodID=38


For a definition of Deaf-blindness visit http://www.nationaldb.org/ISSelectedTopics.php?topicID=598&topicCatID=6


For more information on and profiles of Children who are Deaf-blind see http://www.nationaldb.org/documents/products/population