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:
Anticipation
Session 2:
Self-Regulation
Session 3:
Diagnosis
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
Session 1:
Session 2:
Communication
Supporting Communicative Competence Professional Learning Series (2022-23)
Presenter:
Jacqui Kearns, EdD and Judy Page, PhD
University of Kentucky
Session 1:
Core Revisited
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
Session 1:
Session 2:
Session 3:
Session 4:
Session 5:
Session 6:
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
