Services
Technical Assistance (T A) & Dissemination
A four-tiered T A Delivery Model has been designed to meet the identified needs of relevant stakeholders in NYS. This model takes into account the varied needs of each constituent and capitalizes on a system that matches the needs and wishes of the stakeholder with the appropriate level of technical assistance that they will receive from the project.
NYDBC Multi-Tiered T A Delivery Model
The model is comprised of four levels of T A delivery and is intended to address most stakeholders at levels 1 & 2. As the levels of intensity increase (levels 3 & 4), the number of T A recipients is reduced. Levels 1 & 2 will capture increased levels of knowledge and skills and attitudes and beliefs in practice. As the levels intensify in Levels 3 & 4, implementation of skills and increased observable and measurable child-specific data is captured.
Level 1: Information Dissemination
This level covers the dissemination of information based in evidence-based practice in the
field of deaf-blindness. Examples are fact sheets, web resources, research articles, instructional
materials, etc. This is typically the first level of contact that stakeholders have with the
project that may lead to a more intense level of T A based on the needs and wishes of each constituent.
Level 2: Distance Learning
NYDBC is establishing a number of options for distance learning that include both the delivery of
content in the area of deaf-blindness as well as the opportunities for collaboration across the state
through social networking platforms, moderated by NYDBC staff. Doing this will allow people to develop
professional relationships regardless of geography that will support their professional development in
the area of deaf-blindness. The project also intends to offer a limited number of stipends to
professionals across New York State to participate in a graduate level distance education course through
Hunter College. This opportunity will be offered to professionals who are involved at the two more
intense levels of technical assistance (see below).
Level 3: On-Site Coaching
In collaboration with NYDBC staff, professionals will be guided through a process that will assist
them in identifying programmatic and instructional needs, goals to be achieved, and methods for doing so.
NYDBC staff will spend time on-site with staff engaged in training activities and the modeling of
effective techniques to have a direct impact on the services and instruction for children and youth
who are deaf-blind.
Level 4: Transdisciplinary Team Intervention
This most intense level of technical assistance can be delivered in two main ways. The first is
through focusing on the school or regional level (such as a BOCES) to develop a transdisciplinary team
and program with the intention of delivering quality services to individuals who are deaf-blind within
that program. The second delivery method can be centered on an individual, and the team that serves
him/her, as he/she transitions between service delivery systems (EI to preschool, Preschool to
school-age, or school to adult life).
Training and Professional Development
While integrated into the technical assistance model, training and professional development will be delivered in a number of ways:
- Online Learning through this website for general dissemination, as well as through a platform for more topic-specific training integrated with online collaboration and social networking that will build knowledge as well as networks of support for both professionals and families.
- In-Service Training/Professional Development to programs serving children who are deaf-blind, based on results from stakeholder needs assessments of staff within the program.
- Pre-Service Training through Hunter College in the form of tuition reimbursement for a graduate course in deaf-blindness, as well as through the sharing of training materials with interested teacher training programs through the New York State Higher Education Network.
Child Find and Identification
NYDBC is required to maintain a census of all children and youth who are deaf-blind in New York State. To improve child-find, and early identification in particular, the project is taking a number of steps to increase its child-find activities. These steps include developing materials to raise awareness within the medical community, conducting a comprehensive outreach to all public and private educational agencies in New York State, and outreaching to families through preexisting parent and referral organizations. Registry Form
Capacity Building and Systems Change
Two opportunities for capacity building and systems change have been identified and additional opportunities will be identified through the technical assistance process. NYDBC will be engaged in a Family Leadership Training Project for families of children who are deaf-blind with the National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness, as well as supporting the development of the New York Parent Network, the statewide parent network for deaf-blind. Secondly, the project will be engaged in building awareness and knowledge around the use of interveners (1-to-1 aide) for children and youth who are deaf-blind.
Product Development
NYDBC will develop products that arise out of the technical assistance process. Through the Multi-tiered T A Delivery Model, NYDBC will discover areas that are lacking existing products on topics, which would benefit stakeholders throughout New York State.