Language First Learning Library

Course Description: This presentation will cover what DeafBlindness is, the common causes, how it affects not only access to people, materials, and the environment but also learning, communication, developing relationships, and many areas of development. We will discuss best practices and strategies to use when working with individuals who are DeafBlind. We will dig deeper into one of the major causes of DeafBlindness, CHARGE Syndrome. We will review the acronym and the characteristics that lead to a diagnosis. We will also discuss why CHARGE impacts just about every sensory organ and system, as well as interventions and accommodations that are critical and beneficial when working with those who have CHARGE.

Agenda:

25 minutes: Intro to DeafBlindness (definition, causes, prevalence, best practices)

29 minutes: Intro to CHARGE Syndrome (what it is, how it is diagnoses, description of the acronym and how each area may impact the individual, as well as various necessary interventions)

Learner Outcomes:

Participants will be able to:

1. State what DeafBlindness is, what the common causes are, and what the prevalence is in the US
2. State the impact that DeafBlindness has on access and learning, as well as several best practices and strategies to use with those who are deaf-blind
3. State what CHARGE Syndrome is, the criteria used for diagnosis, the possible impacts, as well as interventions and accommodations to use