Thursday, August 18, 2011

In DC for 2011 OSEP/NCDB/State Deaf-Blind Projects Meeting


Posted by John Reiman - NCDB

                 On Sunday, July 17, the annual OSEP/NCDB/State Deaf-Blind Projects Meeting was held in Washington, DC.  Titled ‘Enhancing Deaf-Blind Network Connectivity: Applications of Web Technology’, the day provided an opportunity for NCDB and states to collaboratively brainstorm around the use of web-based technologies to increase connectivity, productivity and network-wide dialogue. Following an overview of the day’s objectives and activities, the Meeting began with presentations on two targeted high-need content areas (Central Auditory Processing Disorder, and Regional State Deaf-Blind Project Consultation/TA Models). Next, focusing on these (and several additional) focal areas, NCDB staff presented/demonstrated a menu of web-based systems and strategies for information sharing, access to materials, and shared dialogue. The final and culminating activity of the day divided participants (n=110) into four facilitated discussion groups that addressed questions related to their: (a) “big picture” thoughts and reactions to the day’s emphasis on networking/technology, (b) perceived benefit in becoming a more interdependent Deaf-Blind Project Network, (c) interests in particular features of presented technologic tools, and (d) needs (e.g., supports, training, etc.) in order to participate fully in the network. Tentative analysis of data recorded from the group sessions indicated that participants: (1) valued the information presented on both targeted topics; (2) saw great potential for heightened collaboration through enhanced use of technology; (3) identified challenges and possible solutions related to technologic tool familiarity, mastery and implementation; (4) valued continuing thoughtfulness about how we proceed with application of technology as a community; (5) welcomed ongoing training, coaching and support  in forward movement. 

NCDB is excited about participants’ recognized value of uses of technologies across the network to continue the dialogue(s), strengthen the network, and ultimately, provide everyone with enhanced opportunities to work together. The uses of technology are clearly a focus area for OSEP’s current and future investments, and the deaf-blind network is well poised to capitalize on the established momentum.

If you are interested in the materials presented at the meeting you can find them posted to either of two Wiggio sites that were featured in the demonstration of tools.  Check out the Wiggio sites for CAPD and AuditoryNeuropathy  or Regional DB Consultant.  Once you set up your account you can find materials and post your comments.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Youth Pathway to Independence:Next Stop AADB!

Blog Posted by Mike Fagbemi    NCDB

The opening ceremony of the American Association for the Deaf-Blind (AADB) symposium held in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky this past June, celebrated the gathering of approximately 150 delegates and 350 support service providers (SSPs). The delegates, representing the national and international deaf-blind community, embraced the themes of the symposium—technology, SSPs, employment, and leadership. In addition, with its commitment to national issues affecting the DB community, and a renewed focus on professional networking, AADB was proud to invite ten young adults ages 16 to 22 years old to participate in the symposium.

The young adults had access to the main symposium, but they and their family members also participated in a family and youth program coordinated by the National Consortium on Deafblindness and the Florida state deaf-blind project, in collaboration with the Georgia and Texas state deaf-blind projects. The youth program included strands focusing on career development, job readiness, and self-advocacy. Families benefited from a separate and complimentary program on self-empowerment, effective communication, and their shared experiences as family members who play active roles in the development and maturity of a young person with deaf-blindness.

The ten young adults, representing eight states, all had an interest in developing skills to become more self-determined which they agreed would improve their academic success and employment opportunities. Some were still in high school and making plans to enroll in community colleges, while others shared a desire to be prepared for the competitive workforce through early exposure to a variety of career possibilities. Austin Nix, a participant from Mississippi stated, “The family and youth program was such a unique experience for me to learn new things about careers, finding work that interests me, and what good work etiquette means. At the same time it was nice to meet new people with similar interests and goals for me to learn from.”

The youth strand had many different layers, but probably the most important aspect of all was the role that three youth mentors played. The mentors were all former participants in annual southeast regional youth workshops. They had benefited from their experiences and demonstrated the skill and knack needed to energize, educate, and inspire other young people transitioning to adult life. The mentors were invited to be part of the core of the planning committee to develop the content and activities of the youth program and to give presentations. The success of this symposium was a direct result of their active involvement and the infusion of their ideas resonated well with the young people who were engaged in every activity.

The young adults who participated in the program had personality, flair, and interesting perspectives that impressed many symposium participants, including AADB board members and national partners representing Bookshare, PEPNet, the Helen Keller National Center, and vocational rehabilitation services. The program exposed the young adults to a myriad of careers currently held by various professionals who are deaf-blind. At one point, during a presentation by Judy Groner a self-employed business owner who customizes bird houses, one of the youth participants blurted out “Wow! I never knew we could even own our own business. I want to do something like that. All I need is a good idea for people in my small town to like!” It became clear to me and to the other people in the room that this was a turning point for many of the participants. They seemed to gain confidence as each presenter shared their experiences as volunteers, professionals, liaisons to federal disability agencies, technology gurus from HKNC, and advocates from Deaf-Blind Youth in Action. The icing on the cake was presentations given by the youth mentors! The young adult participants left the symposium with tools gained through interactive experiences with presenters and each other. Many had never considered a career or interviewed for work. Many had not thought about deaf-blindness as a disability of access and how it could impact their college and work experiences. Lastly, many did not know that their community was rich with leaders and youth mentors who are on their own personal journeys to achieve their dreams. The opportunity to learn together and grow while forging networks seemed to be the glue that bonded these themes of the symposium together. On this journey, the professionals who participated in the youth program learned quite a bit from the young people, and their parents and siblings who accompanied them. There were many “Aha!” moments. I expect that we have not heard the last of the young people who attended this national symposium. It will not be long before each of them are educating, energizing, and inspiring others as well.