Name
Breakout Session 4B: An Innovative Collaborative Model in Deafblindness to Improve Student Outcomes
Date & Time
Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Location Name
Room 203
Country of Submission
USA
Description

The purpose of this session is to highlight the impact interagency collaboration has on postsecondary outcomes for students with Deafblindness. In the United States, there are 50 state Deafblind projects. Of those, six have two agencies that come together to form a partnership and collaborate. The State of North Carolina is the only state Deafblind project that has three collaborative partners. According to Frey, Lohmeier, Lee, and Tollefson (2006), collaboration is often a specific requirement for agencies seeking federal grants. This ensures that agencies with similar goals and funding sources operate efficiently and effectively. The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has encouraged Deafblind Projects to partner with parent information centers, including around transition. Cmar and McDonnall (2019) found that 62% of individuals with Deafblindness are unemployed. According to the Hellen Keller National Center Technical Assistance Center (1992), interagency collaboration increases the probability that youth with Deafblindness will achieve community-integrated adult outcomes. North Carolina is unique in that it is the only Deafblind Project in the United States that has three prongs. This design was intentional to ensure tailored and specific technical assistance from partners with that expertise. The purpose of this presentation is to share how collaboration among Institutions of Higher Education, State Education Agencies, and Parent Information Centers can improve services for students with Deafblindness by enhancing communication, leveraging resources, and providing tailored technical assistance. Specifically, successes and challenges in building a shared vision, relationships, and expectations will be shared.