Professional Development Series for Educators & Related Service Providers
Concentration in Deafblindness
& High Intensity Support Needs
Join us this Spring for Communication Strategies and Life Planning for Success.
Both courses are aligned with Council for Exceptional Children Competencies.
Register here.
Space is limited. Deadline December 31.
Each course includes:
- 14-week semester (January - April)
- Approximately 3 hours of online work per week (access to high speed internet required)
- Synchronous online meetings throughout the semester
- Course must meet 12 participants minimum in order to be held
Cost: $450 per 3-credit course
Credit Options:
- Continuing Education Hours
- Graduate Credit (additional $40.00 per credit payable to USD)
- RID CEU’s for Interpreters
Course Descriptions
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Course 1:
An Introduction to
Deafblindness
Instructor: Brandy Sebera
This first course will provide foundational
knowledge of deafblindness and the impact
of hearing and vision loss on learning and
communication, as well as key evidence-based
instructional strategies for supporting those with
deafblindness. This course includes content from
the following NCDB Open Hands, Open Access
Modules: Overview of Deafblindness, The Sensory
System, the Brain and Learning, Building Trusted
Relationships, Touch for Connection and Learning,
Maximizing Vision and Hearing, The Role of the
Intervener and Intervener Strategies.
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Course 3:
Deafblindness: Assessment
and Instructional Planning
Instructor: Julie Maier
The course includes an overview of assessment
strategies, assessment instruments, and the
development of specific and measurable IEP
goals based on authentic assessment data. In
addition, the course includes content from the
following NCDB Open Hands, Open Access
Modules: Availability for Learning, Routines
for Participation and Learning, Behavior and
Environmental Supports, and Introduction to
Orientation and Mobility.
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Course 2:
Deafblindness: Communication
Strategies
Instructor: Brandy Sebera
The key principle of this course is that all students
communicate. This course includes content
from the following NCDB Open Hands, Open
Access Modules: Touch for Connection and
Communication, Understanding Communication
Principles, Emergent Communication, Progressing
from Non-symbolic to Symbolic Communication
& Complex Language, Introduction to Sign
Language & Braille, Concept Development
and Responsive Environments and Calendars.
Here you will learn about the importance of
touch in communicating with individuals with
deafblindness and how to progress from nonsymbolic to symbolic communication.
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Course 4:
Life Planning for Success:
DeafBlind Strategies
Instructor: Maurice Belote
The course provides an overview of curricular
options and instructional strategies to promote
student success in school and beyond, and to
ensure that all students successfully transition
from school to adulthood. The course includes
content from the following NCDB Open Hands,
Open Access Modules: Transition to Adulthood
and Community Living, Self-Determination,
Social Skills and Peer Relationships, Sexuality, and
Collaborative Teaming and Family Partnerships.
The course focuses on fully integrating the
module content above to prepare students
who are deafblind to be actively engaged in
communities of their choice.
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While these courses are not required to be completed sequentially, it will be beneficial to have
foundational knowledge in the content areas included in course 1 and 2 prior to enrolling in course 3.
Courses will be held on a rotating basis from semester to semester.
Illinois educators can also apply for an honorarium that will reimburse most of the registration costs after successful completion of coursework. Apply here for the honorarium.
View the full flyer here.