OCDBE Updates 9-16-24
OCDBE Updates

Project ECHO
The Ohio Center for Deafblind Education (OCDBE) and the Ohio Deaf and Blind Education Services (ODBES) have partnered with Project ECHO. ECHO on Children with Complex Needs and Sensory Disabilities is a virtual community that addresses and supports the diverse needs of students facing sensory disabilities and other complex challenges. This initiative will feature virtual sessions that provide training and consultative feedback on student cases. For more details, please see the attached flyer or register here.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
California Deafblind Services recently published an IEP edition of their reSources newsletter. Topics include a discussion of eligibility categories and the importance of documenting deafblindness within the IEP; guidance on developing meaningful and appropriately ambitious IEP goals; an approach to supporting a student’s meaningful participation in the development of their IEP; and practical tips for family member participation on the IEP team.
OCECD shares Assistive Technology
The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) explores the topic of Assistive Technology (AT) in their Summer 2024 newsletter. In this series, you will learn about what AT is, the difference between AT services and devices, AT in IEPs and 504 plans, the AT evaluation and assessment process, and the variety of devices available. You can access the newsletter here
Improving Communicative Competence
The first session of the virtual seven-part Communicative Competence Series begins this week on September 19, 2024 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm (ET). Dr. Jacqui Kearns and Dr. Judy Page will present on Core Vocabulary. See the attached flyer for more details about the series. To register, click here.
National Family Association for Deaf Blind (NFADB)
NFADB exists to empower the voices of families with individuals who are deafblind and advocate for their unique needs. Want to become a member? For more information on joining NFADB, click here.
Parent Scholarship Program
OCDBE offers parents/guardians of a child who is registered on the Ohio Deafblind Census the opportunity to support and increase their knowledge about deafblindness by assisting them in attending conferences, trainings, and workshops. To find out more about the program or to submit a request, visit https://www.ohiodeafblind.com/for-families/scholarships/
To better serve parents, OCDBE Updates are sent to all parents, including information, upcoming events and training, resources, and professional development opportunities that may interest parents, educators, and those who serve children with combined vision and hearing loss. If you have suggestions, thoughts, or ideas that you would like to see included, please let us know by contacting Jodi Dowell at dowelljr@ucmail.uc.edu.