Thoughts on Systemic Needs of a Quality Deaf-Blind TA Project Network

Posted by:  D. Jay Gense, Director, NCDB

     Numerous conversations have surfaced recently on how we construct an “improved” national Deaf-Blind Network. Improving the Deaf-Blind Network’s connectivity and productivity ran as a central theme for the Fall Deaf-Blind Leadership meeting, held in Washington D.C. on November 18-19, 2010. For example, OSEP Project Officer, Dr. Anne Smith, opened the meeting with remarks about the “New Normal … Doing More With Less.”  She emphasized several points about this new normal, identifying the present as a time to “explore alternatives to old ways of doing things … challenging the status quo.”


I believe that our collective preparations for a future of “new normal” provide a unique opportunity, and that our field will be well served to capitalize on such. Many individuals involved with deaf-blind projects and organizations are engaged in deep conversations about a quality “deaf-blind network,” as we seek to refine our network of projects and organizations designed to maximize and strengthen services and supports available for children who are deaf-blind and their families. The fact that these conversations are occurring is positive and exciting, as it’s critical that we recognize and capably respond both to current circumstances and to the future needs.

As I reflect, it seems to me that many of these discussions seek reactions and/or answers to a relatively simple question: What characteristics best exemplify a cohesive, reciprocal, mutually-beneficial network for the field of deaf-blindness?

I’d like to offer some thoughts regarding key systemic characteristics that, in my opinion, begin to answer that question. I hope this blog can serve as one mechanism to engage in a network-wide dialogue on this issue, encouraging others to offer their ideas to be shared. This invitation for dialogue presupposes an interactive process that involves listening, reflecting, responding and sharing.

For clarification, let me offer some descriptors that I find useful in better defining what we mean when we discuss the deaf-blind network. Actually, I see two network “layers.” The first, which I’ll coin as the “OSEP Deaf-Blind TA PROJECT Network,” consists of those OSEP-funded 326C (State Deaf-Blind Projects) and 326T projects (Deaf-Blind National Center), supported under Part D of IDEA. Currently, there are 52 such state projects and one national center (NCDB) funded to provide technical assistance that builds local, regional, and national capacity to serve children and youth who are deaf-blind. The second network layer, which I’ll refer to as the “Deaf-Blind COMMUNITY Network” includes all those in the first network, but extends to include parents and families, and parent/family organizations, partner organizations included in the broader OSEP TA&D network of projects and centers, other Part D OSEP-supported personnel preparation projects, private organizations serving students who are deaf-blind, deaf-blind advocacy organizations, and other state and local agencies/organizations.

For purposes of this blog, the thoughts shared below refer to the initial “Deaf-Blind TA PROJECT Network.” Future commentary about the broader “Deaf-Blind COMMUNITY Network” will be addressed separately.

I believe some key systemic infrastructures need to be in place to serve as a foundation, or at least as a starting place, for a strong network across the deaf-blind projects serving children and youth. Identified here are five key, core characteristics that serve as a way to tap the collective skills and talents of all within the network in service of encouraging, educating, and empowering its members:

1. First, let’s start with basics. We need to have general agreement on the network’s common interests and values, as these interests and values serve as the cornerstone for the inherent value of the network and of working together with others. While I’d argue that we already have this agreement, some may argue that we need more definition;

2. Second, we need a comprehensive formalization of a process used to propose, produce, and share products, information, and materials produced by the Deaf-Blind Project Network. To accomplish such there is a need to:

• Work collaboratively with OSEP to ensure that all decisions about products and materials are made collectively and that the use of these products is promoted and shared across the network;
• Establish a system in which all within the network (and beyond) are aware of existing resources to ensure that there is no duplication of effort.

3. Third, we need an easy-to-use system that provides access to quality quantitative and qualitative data, including student data, systems data, and capacity data. This system must provide relevant local, state, regional, and national data that can be analyzed and used to inform thinking about our work.

4. Fourth, we need an active network-wide communication system. This system would:

• Support and encourage opportunities for active and ongoing network-wide dialogue and discussion, including opportunities for active debate, on a variety of relevant/timely issues;
• Support anyone in the network to solicit help from others, simply offering a place to go to seek assistance in identifying strategies to solve problems.

5. Finally, we need some mutual commitment to working together. Members of a comprehensive, quality network will be cognizant of the inherent value of working as part of a larger team, and be committed to utilizing the network, actively “giving” and “taking.”

SUMMARY: There seems to be agreement that mutual benefit would be experienced through improved opportunities for connectivity and productivity across the Deaf-Blind Project Network. Indeed, manygood ideas have already been identified to facilitate such. While I believe it’s important that we move forward in implementing these strategies, I also believe it’s important to better define what we MEAN when we talk about improving connectivity and productivity of the network. Better refining this definition will support the Deaf-Blind Project Network to move forward together. Technology has transformed our ability to work together and to maximize our abilities to reach our intended audience. These circumstances position us for positive progress. While some may be leery of any change from the status quo, I believe that we have reached an important milestone as a field. The premise of working under a “new normal” shouldn’t discourage us. Rather, preparing for a “new normal” should challenge us. This challenge can facilitate progress, progress for which we are well poised.

I look forward to hearing from others on these issues. Perhaps your thinking expands, contradicts, challenges, or reformulates mine so I welcome any and all thoughts. Active dialogue will stimulate our individual and collective abilities to think and plan carefully and strategically for a future that is, in fact, upon us.