About Deaf-Blindness and IEP Accommodations

Deaf-Blindness is the combination of hearing and visual impairments that together cause communication and educational needs so unique that they cannot be accommodated by programs solely for deaf or blind students. The degree of each impairment varies widely.

Accommodations for students who are deaf-blind often require specialized interveners or interpreters trained in tactile communication methods. Accommodations may include tactile sign language, braille with auditory components, one-on-one support for communication and mobility, adapted materials in multiple formats, and a carefully structured environment.

Students who are deaf-blind have a right to a qualified intervener who can provide consistent, individualized support. Your state's deaf-blind project (funded federally through OSEP) can provide technical assistance, resources, and connections to specialists who understand your child's unique needs.

All Deaf-Blindness Accommodations

15 accommodations for students with Deaf-Blindness, with plain-English explanations for parents.

Provide Braille or large-print test booklets

The test is provided in Braille or extra-large print so your child can read it without needing additional technology.

Testing & Assessment

Provide sign language or ASL interpreter during testing

An ASL interpreter signs the test directions and questions so your deaf child can understand and respond fully.

Testing & Assessment

Provide audio description for visual test content

For tests with pictures, charts, or graphs, someone describes them in detail to your child so they understand the visual content.

Testing & Assessment

Assign a human reader to read text, passages, and test items aloud

An adult will read assignments, test questions, and passages aloud to your child so they can focus on understanding content rather than decoding words.

Reading & Literacy

Provide materials in Braille format

Your child receives textbooks, classroom materials, and assessments in Braille so they can read and learn independently.

Reading & Literacy

Provide sign language interpretation for reading materials and discussions

A sign language interpreter will convey written text, reading passages, and class discussions to your child in their primary language.

Reading & Literacy

Provide verbal descriptions of images, charts, and visual information

The teacher will describe what's shown in pictures, graphs, and diagrams so your child has access to the same information as sighted classmates.

Reading & Literacy

Pair oral directions with written or visual information

When the teacher gives instructions aloud, they'll also write them on the board, show a picture, or post them visually so your child can see and hear the directions.

Directions & Instruction Delivery

Provide tactile or braille materials for blind or visually impaired students

Your child will receive materials in braille or tactile format so they can access written information independently.

Writing & Handwriting

Provide access to refreshable Braille display for tests and reading

Your child uses a specialized device that converts digital text into Braille characters they can read with their fingertips.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Provide sign language interpreter for instruction and assessments

A trained interpreter signs all classroom instruction and test questions so your child can understand and participate fully.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Allow use of Braille materials and assignments

Your child's materials are provided in Braille so they can read and complete assignments in their preferred format.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Provide total communication approach (speech plus sign language plus writing)

Your child receives instruction using multiple communication methods at once (spoken words, signs, and written text) for clarity.

Assistive Technology & Communication Devices

Ensure physical classroom accessibility for mobility needs

The school will ensure your child's classroom has accessible pathways, seating, and facilities so they can move around safely and independently.

Classroom Environment & Seating

Deliver peer awareness or disability education to classmates

The teacher will explain your child's disability and needs to classmates in age-appropriate ways so peers understand and are more accepting and helpful.

Social Skills & Peer Support

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