Indiana Deaf-Blind Services Project

09/15/2026

We are at the INSAIL Conference this week. On day one we were able to connect with a lot of attendees tp share info and answer questions. On day two we’ve had an opportunity to attend some great sessions! Hope you were able to attend this great conference too!

09/09/2026

This information is forwarded from InTRAC/DHHS:

InTRAC and DHHS are exited to host the Touch of Technology DeafBlind event later this month. It is TOTALLY free to attend and meals, snacks and refreshments will be provided during the event.

Please share this information to any deafblind individuals or family members who may be interested in attending.
Go to https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Fx81XZakcEeWV27M-08X1XQlseR3vl1Lps8iDEkjv2NUQTZGNEI1SzdDQTExNVdLV1IxRUwxVlhHUy4u&origin=QRCode to register.

09/09/2026

Reposted from the National Family Association for DeafBlind:

FATE Forward

A DeafBlind Advocacy Workshop Mini-Series

We want advocacy to feel accessible, supported, and real. This October, we will begin a series of simple, practical workshops developed BY families FOR families, focused on equipping you in current advocacy initiatives happening right now in real time.

Our goals are simple:

Honor your lived experience

Connect that experience directly to policy change

Help you feel empowered, not intimidated

This program takes the "overwhelm" out of advocacy by breaking down what you need to know into a few focused sessions.

Foundational training meetings:
- October 6, 2026 - Advocacy 101
- October 20, 2026 - Power of Your Story
* additional writing workshops available via a shared calendar

- January 26, 2027 - DeafBlind Policy Now!
* Focused preparation for Day on the Hill spring 2027

Ongoing support along the way from experienced families who advocate!

FATE Forward is offered free to members, and $25 for non-members. Register to learn more and join us!

Your voice is powerful and needed!

FATE Forward

Mini-Workshops:

1. 06-Oct-2026, 7:00 PM 8:30 PM (EDT)
2. 20-Oct-2026, 7:00 PM 8:30 PM (EDT)
3. 26-Jan-2027, 7:00 PM 8:30 PM (EST)

Time: 7:00 PM 8:30 PM EDT

Where: Zoom

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!

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.

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...

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.

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...