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Deafblind Services

The amount of hearing and vision loss in people who are deafblind is different with each person. DeafBlind people may need many different services. Several people may need to work together to provide all those services. Either a Rehabilitation Counselor may provide services for the Deaf (RCD) or a Communication Specialist.

If the person is Deaf and uses ASL, they will work with a RCD. If the person is hard of hearing or late deafened, a Communication Specialist can best serve him/her. A Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind may also work with a person who is deafblind. The person may need to work with both a RCD and Counselor for the Blind to get the best services.

Counselors for the Deaf, Communication Specialists, and Counselors for the Blind are all trained to work with people who have both hearing and vision loss. Some people who work at the Charles W. McDowell and Carl D. Perkins Rehabilitation Centers are also trained to work with people who are deafblind. OVR Staff interpreters are trained to communicate with people who are deafblind and can help when needed.

There are three DeafBlind Specialists who help counselors serve someone who is deafblind. One works with the Office for the Blind and the other two work with the Office for Vocational Rehabilitation. They work with counselors of both agencies in different parts of the state. They provide information, technical help, and coordinate services for people who are deafblind. They also train people who work with other agencies, places, or programs to help people who are deafblind. They help family members and consumers too.

A person who is deafblind can receive the following services to help him/her get and keep a job:
· Testing to decide what technology can help both hearing and vision
· Training to learn to use assistive technology
· Guidance & counseling from a rehabilitation counselor trained in hearing and vision loss
· Finding out what can help a person at the job site
· Training to improve communication and deal with problems
· Help to get services from other agencies
· Help to decide what the person's abilities & interests are
· Support services (interpreters, note takers, etc.) while a person goes to school
· Training & preparation for a job
· Help to learn job tasks and be successful at work

Through the efforts of OFB and OVR staff working with the consumer, many deafblind people are working successfully.

Customers who have hearing and vision loss combined (deaf-blindness) should consult Dorothy Brame, DeafBlind Services Coordinator, to help determine which counselor can best meet their needs and plan suitable services. Dorothy is located in Bowling Green and can be reached at (270) 746-7479 or 1-800-222-1215 or through e-mail at Dorothy.Brame@ky.gov

If you are interested in these services also reference:
1. DeafBlind Services Area Map
2. DeafBlind Addendum Consumer Guide and Handbook

Other links to DeafBlind Websites:
www.helenkeller.org/national - Information related to all aspects of deafblindness including other resources.
www.tr.wou.edu/dblink - A clearinghouse for information related to children who are deafblind as well as a listing of job openings for those interested in working in the field.
www.hknc.org/images/Resources_equipment_4_2004.htm - A guide to aids and devices used by individuals experiencing combined vision and hearing loss.

Kentucky Office for the Blind
P.O. Box 757    209 St. Clair Street    Frankfort, Kentucky    40602-0757     USA
Phone (Toll Free): 800-321-6668  or  877-592-5463   Phone: 502-564-4754
   Fax: 502-564-2951     TDD: 502-564-2929
Website Administrator -- blind@ky.gov
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This page was last updated on May 18, 2006