In this issue:
  • Deaf-Blindness Awareness Week
  • Upcoming Training Opportunities
This week is Deaf-Blindness Awareness Week. We have included a few national and local resources to increase awareness. Feel free to share with colleagues and families.

Hope you are all enjoying
this beautiful summer!
Rose and Brandy
‌
Deaf-Blindness Awareness Week
June 21st-27, 2020
“The essence of the message is that of all the obstacles people who are deaf-blind overcome, misconceptions don’t have to be one of them. Not only do people who are deaf-blind thrive in the workplace, they make their workplaces thrive too. Companies with people who are deaf-blind experience an increase in productivity, a boost in company morale, and are nearly twice as likely to be innovative. So forget everything you think you know about people who are deaf-blind and experience their positive impact for yourself”. 
Speaking of employment, did you know that NCDB collects Transition and Adult Life Success Stories? The newest NCDB story is titled: “ Jack Barker’s Transition to Adulthood Story: It Takes a Village. ” Jack is 22 and in his final year of public school. He has CHARGE Syndrome and is deaf-blind and non-verbal with significant and complex needs.
South Dakota Deaf-Blind Project
Wondering who can help in South Dakota? Every state in the nation has a Deaf-Blind Project and South Dakota’s is located at the Center for Disabilities. We are funded through the US Dept. of Education-Office of Special Education Programs. We provide technical assistance, training and resources for families and service providers of children (birth to 21) with varying levels of both hearing and vision loss. Even mild losses qualify due to neither primary sensory gathering channel is able to compensate for the loss in the other sense. 
Upcoming Training Opportunities

Participants will receive continuing education hours for time spent in training.

Additional USD graduate credit is available for $40. For 1 credit, participants must attend Advanced Practices, submit a 2 page guided reflection paper and complete a Make & Take through our sessions or on your own. 
Tracy Fitch, M.Ed. TVI,
Low Vision, CVI Endorsed.
Tracy has worked as a TVI since 2006, serving  students across all ages, degree of visual impairment and ability levels. She has worked under Dr. Roman’s CVI mentorship program and has served the state of Georgia as a CVI Mentor. Tracy has worked as an early interventionist in the state of Georgia. She has also provided assessments and training for the Georgia’s early intervention program.
Tracy currently works as an Independent Contractor. She provides assessments, training, and educational consultation to parents, teachers and school districts across the nation. 
CDC Guidelines will be followed regarding COVID-19. Restrictions may limit number of participants. The first 18 are guaranteed a live spot and others may participate long distance. In the case this conference cannot be held in person, all material will be presented online.
Financial aid for families may be available through the South Dakota Council on Disabilities . 
Rose Moehring, M.A. Spec. Ed.
Certified Low Vision Therapist
Deaf-Blind Program Director
Rose.Moehring@usd.edu
(605) 357-1437
Brandy Sebera, M.S. Spec. Ed.
Deaf-Blind Program Instructor
Brandy.Sebera@usd.edu
(605) 357-1437
South Dakota Deaf-Blind Project| Visit our website!
SD Deaf-Blind Program Grant #H326T180053