Early Childhood

The earliest experiences of a child's life greatly influence their ability to learn, move and interact with others. For children who are deafblind, this is especially true since their physical, communication, cognitive, social, and emotional development are connected. Because the impact on learning is exponentially greater for combined vision and hearing loss than for vision or hearing loss alone, early intervention services from individuals who understand the unique impact of deafblindness is essential.

By connecting with the Virginia Deafblind Project as early as possible, families and service providers are able to learn strategies to increase the child’s access to the world, build relationships, communicate with others and learn. VDBP will help address the gaps and barriers that can occur when vision and hearing are impacted and can limit the child’s ability to reach their full potential. 

The Virginia Deafblind Project will work with families, early intervention providers and related service providers of infants and toddlers with deafblindness to ensure that the team has an understanding of the child's sensory loss and how it will impact their communication, socialization, and other domains.

Sensory Disabilities Learning Paths (Professional Development for Early Intervention Specialists)

The Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development Center (VEIPD) has curated a “Learning Path” specific to working with infants and toddlers who have combined vision and hearing loss. Learning paths are small collections of activities that focus on an early intervention topic. To learn about the topic, you will complete each activity on the path. Once you complete the learning path, you will take a final quiz to earn a certificate documenting the professional development hours earned.

Link: https://www.veipd.org/main/learningpaths/index.html 

Do you have a child who is eligible to be on our child count? Register them today and receive free support from the Deafblind Project.