Indiana Deaf-Blind Services Project

Indiana Deaf-Blind Services Project The project is a federal grant designed to improve educational services for DeafBlind children. There are no fees for these services.

The Indiana Deaf-Blind Services Project is a federally-funded grant administered by the Blumberg Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Special Education. The project’s goals are to:

ensure that children and young adults with combined vision and hearing loss have the educational support necessary to successfully complete school and be better prepared for adult life;

empower families so that the

y are better able to participate in educational and life planning, as well as become better advocates and leaders in their school, community and state;

provide educators with increased skills in using evidence-based practices so that students can participate more fully in inclusive settings; and,

foster leadership and collaboration among state/local education, early intervention, and community agencies. The project provides technical assistance, training and support for children and young adults who have a combined vision and hearing loss, their families and educators who work with these individuals. Project activities include:

• child-focused consultations;
• in-service training;
• technical assistance and information dissemination on topics relevant to each individual’s needs;
• assistance in the development of IEPs, person-centered plans, and transition-focused educational planning;
• family leadership training;
• intervener training;
• a statewide newsletter;
• a network for information and support; and,
• a Statewide Registry of students, ages birth through 21, who are deaf-blind. Students with hearing and visual impairments occurring together in any combination are considered to be deaf-blind. The combined sensory loss causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that they require special education and related services beyond those provided solely for children with vision or hearing impairments or severe disabilities. Any family member, care provider
and/or educator of individuals ages
birth to 22 years, with combined vision and hearing loss, may request services from the project. Visit the Project’s website at http://www.INDBServices!

08/20/2026

We are thrilled to announce our first training for the 2026-27 school year! Kirstyn Martino, an Active Learning Specialist from the Penrickton Center for Blind Children will provide a two part training on Active Learning. Active learning is an educational approach that emphasizes creating environments that encourage children to explore and learn independently. This method focuses on active participation and exploration rather than direct instruction, allowing children to engage with materials and experiences at their own pace. Dr. Lilli Nielsen developed this approach and designed equipment that is specifically for children who were blind/visually impaired with multiple disabilities.

This training is great for anyone working with deafblind and/or visually impaired children with other disabilities, including teachers of the blind/low vision, related service providers, early intervention providers, classroom teachers, and family members. If you know someone who would be interested in attending or would benefit from this training, please forward this information on to them.

For more information or to register, go to: https://www.indbservices.org/index.php/active-learning-training. Space is limited, so hurry and register now!

08/20/2026

We are happy to announce a great new training opportunity - Tactile Symbol Systems Workshop Series! Starting on October 23, 2026 with a virtual webinar, followed by an all-day training on November 6, 2026, we will look at Tactile Symbol Systems from foundation and rationale to implementation with students. Our presenter is Genevieve Barnes, a Deafblind Employment Specialist (DBES) serving Indiana. Genevieve graduated from Butler University with a B.A. in Communication Disorders, founded the Butler ASL club, taught DeafBlind students in Uganda, and earned an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University. This workshop series provides an overview of Tactile Symbol Systems from the foundation and rationale for such systems to their connection to communication and implementation with students. The series includes an introductory webinar, a full day training and two follow-up sessions after the training.

This training is appropriate for teachers of the blind/low vision, teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing, classroom teachers, family members, related service providers and anyone working with students who are deafblind and/or have significant communication needs. While not required, we encourage student teams to register, including family members!

To register and/or for more information go to: https://www.indbservices.org/index.php/tactile-symbol-systems-2026. Space is limited so hurry and register now!

07/16/2026

It’s not too late to be a part of a great training opportunity! Register now!

There is still time to register for the July 20, 2026 Immersion in the DeafBlind World training for Interpreters, Support Service Providers and anyone who is training to be one, with Jason “Jaz” Herbers and Leslie Silva-Kopec. Our presenters are both deafblind and known for their work in protractile communication and deafblind advocacy. This is a pre-conference workshop for the 2026 Summer Institute for Educational Interpreters so if you are attending the Summer Institute anyway - come a bit early and participate in this great experience. It will provide immersive experiences in working with and interpreting for DeafBlind individuals of all ages. A flyer with more details is attached.

Even if this training is not for you, please forward it to anyone you think might be interested. It should be a great experience!

To register and/or for more information go to: https://www.indbservices.org/index.php/immersion-in-the-deafblind-world-interpreter-ssp-training. Space is limited to 20 participants so hurry and register now!

The National Library Service and National Braille Press have collaborated for a super fun summer reading program. The NL...
06/23/2026

The National Library Service and National Braille Press have collaborated for a super fun summer reading program. The NLS Summer Reading Program can be found here: https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/summer-reading/

The 2026 summer reading theme is "Unearth a Story" that emphasizes discovery with dinosaurs, nature and more. Programs are designed for kids — as well as adults — to encourage reading through fun activities.

My favorite part is "Narrated Soundscapes," which takes you on pre-recorded, immersive audio journeys (English and Spanish) through the landscapes of four national parks, with narration provided by some of the NLS' own network library staff. A new Soundscape drops on Braille Institute Library's Summer Reading Program page at https://www.brailleinstitute.org/summer-reading-program/ every other Monday starting June 22 (yesterday). Once posted, each one stays available so you can explore at your own pace. No registration required — just hit play whenever you're ready. The Soundscape released yesterday is for Badlands National Park. In addition to listening, you can download a tactile map, access the park brochure (in accessible formats), check out a book list, and download a 3-D printable file for a related Smithsonian artifact.

There are also free "WonderBox" giveaways for younger learners who are NLS patrons (signing up is free and good for a lifetime of access to the National Library Service!) and a number of author talks (Leona Godin, Georgina Kleege, etc.) and special events open to everyone. To register go to: https://www.loc.gov/nls/services-and-resources/summer-reading/ .

Summer reading suggestions brought to you by the Braille Institute of America. New titles picked each summer.

It’s been a great (and busy!) two days at the Early Intervention Conference! There is a little time left…if you are arou...
06/13/2026

It’s been a great (and busy!) two days at the Early Intervention Conference! There is a little time left…if you are around stop at our table.

Be a part of the 2026 VIISA Training Cohort! This VIISA training is being conducted by professionals from VIPS Indiana a...
05/07/2026

Be a part of the 2026 VIISA Training Cohort! This VIISA training is being conducted by professionals from VIPS Indiana and sponsored by the Indiana DeafBlind Services Project. VIISA participants will gain an understanding of the unique needs of infants, toddlers and preschoolers who are blind or have low vision and will develop the skills to empower the children’s families to help their child reach their highest potential. Participants will meet virtually and in person once a month from June through October. Virtual sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 3:00 pm–6:00 pm EST. There will also be two, two-day, in-person sessions on the VIPS campuses in Indianapolis and Louisville. In-person sessions will last eight hours each day. For more information and/or to register go to:

2026 Training Dates Participants will meet virtually and in person once a month from June through October. Virtual sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 3:00 pm–6:00 pm EST. There will also be two, two-day, in-person sessions on the VIPS campuses in Indianapolis and Louisville. In-person sessi...

Help us celebrate DeafBlind Awareness Week! In recognition of the achievements, contributions, and potential of people w...
05/07/2026

Help us celebrate DeafBlind Awareness Week! In recognition of the achievements, contributions, and potential of people who are DeafBlind, the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC) celebrates the last week of June as “DeafBlind Awareness Week.” This year, DeafBlind Awareness Week runs June 25-July 1, 2026. The 2026 campaign theme is: "Connected by Touch: Breaking Barriers, Buiding Bridges." For more information and ways to help celebrate go to: https://www.helenkeller.org/dbaw2026/ .

Celebrate DeafBlind Awareness Week, June 25–July 1, 2026. Download proclamation templates, access resources, and join HKNC's national campaign: Connected by Touch.

We are happy to announce a great new training opportunity - Tactile Symbol Systems Workshop Series!  Starting on Februar...
12/18/2025

We are happy to announce a great new training opportunity - Tactile Symbol Systems Workshop Series! Starting on February 20, 2026 with a virtual webinar, followed by an all-day training on March 6, 2026, we will look at Tactile Symbol Systems from foundation and rationale to implementation with students. Our presenter is Genevieve Barnes, a Deafblind Employment Specialist (DBES) serving Indiana. Genevieve graduated from Butler University with a B.A. in Communication Disorders, founded the Butler ASL club, taught DeafBlind students in Uganda, and earned an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University. This workshop series provides an overview of Tactile Symbol Systems from the foundation and rationale for such systems to their connection to communication and implementation with students. The series includes an introductory webinar, a full day training and two follow-up sessions after the training.

To register and/or for more information go to: https://www.indbservices.org/index.php/tactile-symbol-systems. Space is limited so hurry and register now!

Tactile Symbol Systems February 20, 2026, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm EST Introduction to Tactile Symbol Systems Webinar via Zoom. March 6, 2026, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EST Tactile Symbol Systems, Implementation...

Happy Holidays from everyone at the Indiana DeafBlind Services Project....
12/18/2025

Happy Holidays from everyone at the Indiana DeafBlind Services Project....

11/06/2025

If you are an educator of a student who is deafblind, please act now!

As we finish the year, we here at the Project are looking at ways that we can better serve you and your students. The Indiana DeafBlind Services Project is committed to providing effective and useful services, resources and support across the state. In order to successfully understand your needs and preferences, we are asking for your input. We would like for you to take part in a brief survey for service providers of individuals who have a combined vision and hearing loss in the state of Indiana. The entire survey should take about 5-10 minutes to complete. You can complete the survey online by using this link: https://indstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5jvQR0NHdyv3AI6 .

I hope that your fall is going well and you have a great holiday season! If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact me by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 812-237-7679. Thank you so much for your help.

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Address

Blumberg Center, Bayh College Of Education, Room 009W, Indiana State University, 401 N 7th St
Terre Haute, IN
47809

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18122377679

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