The Ohio Center for Deafblind Education (OCDBE) offers professional learning on a variety of topics of interest to parents, educators, related services providers, and agency personnel. OCDBE uses a multi-tiered delivery model to plan, implement, and evaluate professional development and technical assistance offerings. The tiered model – offering services at Tier 1 (universal), Tier 2 (targeted), and Tier 3 (intensive) – is intentionally designed to build capacity in targeted areas shown to be necessary for increasing awareness, knowledge, and application of effective practices and thereby improving outcomes.

Previous OCDBE professional learning sessions focusing on deafblindness are listed by topics below. In addition, upcoming professional learning opportunities can be found under News & Events on the home page.

Click here to view upcoming events, professional development, and training opportunities.

Assessment

Educational Assessment, Intervention, and Support Unique to Children with Deafblindness and Low Incidence Disabilities (2020-21)

Presenter:

Melinda Wolford, PhD, Consultant

Session 1:

Cognitive Assessment for Children with Low Incidence Disabilities

Session 2:

Assessing and Supporting Sensory Impairments in Children with Deafblindness and Low Incidence Disabilities

Session 3:

Identification and Expansion of Social Emotional Development of Children with Deafblindness and Low Incidence Disabilities

Session 4:

Assessing and Intervention for Behavior Concerns in Children with Deafblindness and Low Incidence Disabilities

Behavior/Behavior Characteristics

Professional Learning Series (2020-21)

Presenter:

Timothy Hartshorne, PhD
Central Michigan State University

Session 1:

Session 2:

Self-Regulation

Session 3:

Why Would My Child Do That? (2020-21)

Presenter:

Timothy Hartshorne, PhD
Central Michigan State University

Assessing Behaviors in Children with Deafblindness and Low Incidence Disabilities (2021-22)

Presenter:

Melinda Wolford, PhD, Consultant

Session 1:

Assessing Behaviors for Children with Deafblindness and Low Incidence Disabilities (Part 1)

Session 2:

Assessing Behaviors for Children with Deafblindness and Low Incidence Disabilities (Part 2)

Session 3:

Sensory-driven Behavioral Intervention for Children with Deafblindness and Low Incidence Disabilities

The Forgotten Senses: Proprioceptive and Vestibular Issues and Availability for Learning for Children with Deafblindness (2021-22)

Presenter:

David Brown, Consultant

The Basic Human Need for Closure and Its Impact on Children and Youth Who Are Deafblind (2021-22)

Presenter:

Maurice Belote, Project Coordinator
California Deafblind Project

Communication

Supporting Communicative Competence Professional Learning Series (2022-23)

Presenter:

Jacqui Kearns, EdD and Judy Page, PhD
University of Kentucky

Session 1:

Session 2:

Considerations for Children with Visual Impairment

Session 3:

Using Core as Part of the Curriculum

Session 4:

The Power of Peers

Session 5:

Communication Partner Strategies and Social Networks

Session 6:

Preparing Students with Complex Communication Needs for Transition

Session 7:

Considerations to Support Hearing in the Classroom

Communication that Counts: Connecting with Children Who Are Deafblind (2021-22)

Presenter:

Dr. Lyn Ayer, PhD, Consultant

Session 1:

Making Conversation Meaningful

Session 2:

From Communication to Literacy

From Interaction to Formal Language: Become the Excellent Observer, Thoughtful Communicator and Creative Designer of Learning with Children who are Deafblind (2021-22)

Presenter:

Chris Montgomery
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

My Child, My Connection (2020-21)

Presenter:

Dr. Lyn Ayer, PhD, Consultant

Session 1:

I feel you! Do you feel me?

Session 2:

I smell you! Do I know you?

Session 3:

You sustain me! I know that taste.

My Child, My Connection (series continuation) (2021-22)

Presenter:

Lyn Ayer, PhD and Linda Bass Johnoff, MEd, Consultants

Session 4:

Making the Best Use of Residual Hearing and Vision

Session 5:

Multi-Sensory Strategies to Foster Relationships and Active Learning

Session 6:

Multi-sensory Experiences and Environments to Enhance Early Literacy

My Child, My Connection (series continuation) (2023)

Presenter:

Lyn Ayer, PhD, Consultant

Session 7:

Transitioning a toddler to pre-school

Session 8:

Transitioning to Kindergarten

Families/Parents

Person-Centered Planning and Circle of Friends (2020-21)

Presenter:

Timothy Hartshorne, PhD
Central Michigan State University

Professional Learning Series continued (2020-21)

Presenter:

Timothy Hartshorne, PhD
Central Michigan State University

Session 4:

Counseling Parents – Issues Parents Face and What Counselors Miss

Session 5:

Siblings – How Well Will They Do and What are Their Issues?

Session 6:

Taming the Wolves and the Parent from Hell

Plan for Your Child’s Future: Learn How to Establish a STABLE Account! (2021-22)

Presenter:

Eric Ochmanek, Director of Special Projects
Office of the Ohio Treasurer of State

Charting the LifeCourse: An Overview of the Charting the LifeCourse Framework and Tools (2021-22)

Presenter:

Barbara Sapharas, Ohio Ambassador
Charting the LifeCourse

Consideration for Families, Caretakers, and Educators Unique to Children with Deafblindness and Low Incidence Disabilities (2021-22)

Presenter:

Melinda Wolford, PhD, Consultant

Session 1:

Critical Issues and Support for Families of Children with DeafBlindness and/or Low Incidence Disabilities

Session 2:

Neurological Consequences of Trauma and the Importance of Trust Building in Children with Deafblindness

Session 3:

Re-enchantment of Everyday Life for Educators and Families of Children with Deafblindness and Low Incidence Disabilities

Motor

Meaningful Movement for Children who are Deafblind (2022-2023)

Presenter:

Lyn Ayer, PhD

Session 1:

Meaningful Movement for Children who are Deafblind: PART 1

Session 2:

Meaningful Movement for Children who are Deafblind: PART 2

Supporting Deafblindness

ParaPros Who Work as Interveners (2021-22)

Presenter:

Doug Sturgeon and Karen Koehler, PhD
Shawnee State University

Considering Children who are Deafblind & Academically On-Track

Presenter:

Lyn Ayer, PhD

Syndromes

CHARGE Syndrome: What You Need to Know (2021-22)

Presenter:

Timothy Hartshorn, PhD

CHARGE Syndrome: How Medical Needs Can Impact Development (2023)

Presenter:

Susan Wiley, MD

Usher Syndrome – 100 Years of Discovery (2021-22)

Presenter:

Nancy O’Donnell, Director of Outreach
Usher Syndrome Coalition

Transition

Exploring Transition-age Services for DeafBlind Youth (2021-22)

Presenter:

John Filek, Regional Representative
Helen Keller Center

Better Together: Supporting a Successful Transition to Adulthood (2021-22)

Presenter:

Katie Scheetz and Allison Meloy
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

Children Transitioning from Early Intervention to Preschool: What Parents Need to Know (2023)

Presenter:

Sandy Brickner