The U.S. estimates that 2.4 million Americans experience combined hearing and vision loss, a population that includes individuals who identify as DeafBlind and spans all ages, backgrounds, and communities. In Iowa, approximately 10,000 individuals live with DeafBlindness or combined hearing and vision loss. Learn about Common Causes of Combined Vision & Hearing Loss
DeafBlind individuals access the world through a range of communication methods, including tactile sign language, Protactile American Sign Language (PTASL), haptics, fingerspelling, braille, speech, and assistive technologies. Awareness of these methods enables professionals, providers, and community members to communicate more effectively and respectfully with DeafBlind individuals.
Contact our DeafBlind Specialist Carol Manning with any questions.
DeafBlind Services
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors help qualified DeafBlind individuals develop a plan and set goals for future employment. Through assessments, they help you explore your skills, interests, and values and identify employment or education opportunities that match your goals.
VR counselors, the DeafBlind Specialist, Employment Specialists, and other staff work together to provide VR counseling and guidance.
This may include:
Assessment of Pre-Vocational & Vocational Needs and Services
Employment
Education Explorations and Opportunities included college accommodation needs and continuing education
Education Advocacy
Transition Plan/Services & Transitional Living Programs
Job Training
Independent Living Services and Skills, and Residential Services
Rehabilitation Technology Assessment and Training
Individualized Rehabilitation Training
Braille
Home & Personnel Management
Orientation and Mobility
Industrial Arts
Low Vision Devices
Alert Systems
Magnification and other Adaptive Equipment
Transportation Training
Computer and Assistive Technology
Advocacy and Peer Support
Customized training
Interpreting services
Outreach Services
VR counselors and the DeafBlind Specialist provide assistance and support to DeafBlind clients who are seeking employment.
This may include:
Job preparation and resume/cover letter development
Job development
Job-seeking skills
Job tryouts
Job shadowing
Job Interview Mock
Job placement assistance
Job placement
Job coaching
Work evaluations
Work Etiquette Training
Job maintenance support
Educating employers on how to work with DeafBlind employees
Providing hands-on training to an individual with dual sensory loss and demonstrations for the personnel working with them.
VR counselors refer to and provide customized services and assessments for DeafBlind clients.
This may include:
Counseling services
Pre-Employment Transition services (Pre-ETS)
Consultation services
Reader and Accessible Services using American Sign Language and Oral communication
Library services
Interpreting services
Advocacy for Education services and IEP
Communication Assessment and Evaluation
American Sign Language
Tactile Communication
Protactile American Sign Language
Oral Communication
Communication Methods
Vision Adjustment to Vision Loss Discussion with doctors’ reports
Business Training & Preparation
Mentoring and counseling DeafBlind clients
Advocacy Training
Family Communication Assistance
Community Integration Skills Training
Video Phone and iPhone Services
Workshops
Apply for DeafBlind Services
DeafBlind Iowans are welcome to apply for services from the Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB). Please follow the application process below:
Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, and became a renowned author, educator, and advocate for people who are blind and DeafBlind.
White Cane Awareness Day is observed annually on October 15
The day recognizes the importance of the white cane as a tool for independence and mobility for people who are blind or have low vision.
Low Vision Awareness Month is observed every year in February
It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about low vision, vision rehabilitation, and resources that can help people maintain independence and quality of life.
World Braille Day is celebrated every year on January 4
It commemorates the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille reading and writing system.
Additional Resources
Explore the following Iowa interpreting agencies to learn more about their services and availability.
