Texas Deafblind Project

📖 Literacy is for everyone! How can we make reading accessible and fun for learners who are deafblind or have complex access needs?

In this article from TX SenseAbilities, Dr. Christopher Brum breaks down how to expand our definition of reading, individualize materials, and even deconstruct everyday books to build meaningful communication.

Check out the full article for practical tips and video examples you can use at home or in the classroom! 👇
https://www.tsbvi.edu/tx-senseabilities/issues/tx-senseabilities-spring-2026/interactive-reading-materials

Today is the last day to submit your comments! Share your voice and see more details below ⬇️

Action Alert: Proposed TEA Rule Updates for Special Education Email from Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Submit comments by Monday, May 11, on a proposed rule change affecting students who are deafblind.     Dear Texas Deafblind Project Communit

📢 Action Alert: Strengthen Support for Texas Deafblind Students!

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is proposing updates to special education rules (19 TAC Chapter 89), and we need your voice.

We believe students who are deafblind deserve a multidisciplinary team approach. We are advocating for the presence of both a certified TVI and a certified TDHH at ARD meetings to ensure students receive the specialized expertise they need, rather than allowing a single teacher with a deafblind certification to fulfill all roles.

How you can help:
Submit comments to the TEA by Monday, May 11. We’ve developed draft comments to help you get started.

Your input ensures that educators, service providers, and families are heard!

🔗 Get the details and draft comments here:

Action Alert: Proposed TEA Rule Updates for Special Education Email from Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Submit comments by Monday, May 11, on a proposed rule change affecting students who are deafblind.     Dear Texas Deafblind Project Communit

In the latest edition of "A Touch of News" newsletter, we highlight data from this year's Texas Deafblind Child Count, share upcoming trainings and webinars, and spotlight community resources.

Read the newsletter here: https://conta.cc/4u95r1b

Sign up for our mailing list to get it directly to your inbox: https://link.tsbvi.edu/atouchofnews

The path to certification for Teachers of Students Who are Deafblind (TDB) is reaching an exciting new milestone. This spring, a dedicated cohort of educators from across Texas is participating in a first-of-its-kind TDB Mentor Mini-Pilot!

From intensive training in Austin to peer observations across the state, these teachers are paving the way for future certification standards in Texas. Learn more about their journey and what’s next for the program:

Teacher of Students Who are Deafblind (TDB) Mentor Mini-Pilot Set for Spring An update on the current status of the Teacher of Students who are Deafblind (TDB) Mentor Program

Applications are now open for the Deafblind Graduate Certificate Grant Initiative! This TEA-funded grant covers tuition and fees for online courses through Texas Tech University for qualified candidates pursuing a deafblind graduate certificate.

If you’re looking to specialize your skills, be sure to apply by May 16 for the summer 2026 semester or June 12 for the fall 2026 semester.

Check out the details and apply here:

Deafblind Graduate Certificate Grant Initiative | Texas SPED Support This Initiative provides funding to candidates through a grant from TEA to cover tuition for courses needed for the deafblind Graduate Certificate.

The latest issue of "A Touch of News" is now available!

Save the date and register for a summer training workshop, browse upcoming events, webinars, and coffee hours, and see what's happening around the community.

Read the newsletter: https://conta.cc/47QJj2K

The wait is over — registration for Texas Focus 2026 is now live!

Our theme, “Together We Thrive: Pathways to Progress for Teams,” is all about reconnecting and growing our collective impact. Whether you’re a professional looking for the latest research or a family member of a student who is blind, deafblind, or low vision, this is the place to be.

🗓️ When: June 4–6, 2026
📍 Where: Austin Marriott North | Austin, TX
🎓 Professional Development: 13.75 hours of ACVREP & SBEC credit available!

Don't miss out on the chance to learn and network with colleagues and families from across the state. Check out the schedule and secure your spot today!

Register now: tsbvi.edu/statewide-resources/conferences/texas-focus

Join our flexible Tactile Language Study Series this afternoon or Friday morning as we focus on the theme "The Body's Role in Meaning," based on the book "If You Can See It, You Can Support It." We will dive into a discussion of Chapter 12–14 via Zoom — Author Caroline Lindström will be a featured guest speaker!

Attend either the Tuesday afternoon or Friday morning session to gain immediate, practical strategies to support communication for individuals who are deafblind or have complex access needs.

Tuesday, March 3 | 3:15–4:00 p.m. CT
OR Friday, March 6 | 7:15–8:00 a.m. CT
Register Now: https://txtsbvi.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=42328

The latest issue of "A Touch of News" is now available! Gear up for March with info on upcoming events for professionals and families, learn about summer camp and program opportunities, and read about the success of our TDB mini-pilot program.

Read more:

A Touch of News – March 2026 Email from Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Learn about our TDB mini-pilot and find upcoming events, featured resources, and more inside.   View this email in your browser TEXAS DEAFBL