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February 2026: CDBS Connections

CDBS SERVICES

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Image: Lake Tahoe in winter. Getty Images.

February has arrived and while we’re still in the winter season, each day brings a little more daylight. Many of us set intentions last month to learn something new, expand our skill sets, and practice self-care. We hope the information in our newsletters and CDBS activities and resources support your intentions and goals. February is a month to celebrate friendships and connections and we remain grateful for our many collaborative partners serving children and youth who are deafblind across the state. This month we’re sharing about two Early Years Symposiums that we co-host, our ongoing virtual events for professionals and families, and a few featured resources for you to explore and perhaps add to your toolkit.

Upcoming Events

30th Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium: Simple but not easy: Collaborative care and coaching for young children with CVI

Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 9:00am-3:30pm

California School for the Blind in Fremont, CA

A few spaces are still available for this in-person event is co-hosted by California Deafblind Services, California School for the Blind, Lighthouse Little Learners, the SF State University Visual Impairments Program, and the California Association of Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. This year’s symposium includes expert guest speakers on the topic of CVI and a family panel who will share updates, tips, and perspectives on supporting young children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI).

The cost for registration is $60 for professionals and $30 for families and students and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Scholarships are available for families.

The Birth to Five Vision Network presents

the Annual Nancy Mansfield Family Workshop at Beyond Blindness in Santa Ana on February 28, 2026 from 9:00am-2:00pm

Baby Steps: Early Movement and Milestones in Children with Visual Impairments and Blindness

Presenters: Dr. Nicholas Casias , Dr. Patricia Camarillo, NBCT & Dr. Diane Christian

• For more information: birthtofivevisionnetwork@gmail.com

• Cost: Families are Free / Professionals: $15. Child care is provided.

Monthly Virtual Family Support Groups

Come join other family members at “The Family Gathering Place”, where you can connect with Myrna Medina, CDBS Family Engagement Specialist, and other families of people who are deafblind to learn about and find support for the journey forward. “The Family Gathering Place” is a 60-minute virtual discussion that will take place over Zoom once per month where family members can connect with other families, share experiences, ask questions, and gather practical resources. There is no cost to participate.

English Language Support Group Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of the month: Feb. 10th, March 10th, April 14th, May 12th, and June 9th at 6pm PT
Spanish Language Support Group Meeting: 2nd Thursday of the month: Feb. 12th, March 12th, April 16th, May 14th, and June 11th at 6pm PT

Graphic image of two people seated at a table in conversation.

Peer Learning Community for Professionals

CDBS staff facilitate bimonthly virtual meetings with educators and related service providers serving children and youth who are deafblind to dig into topics related to educating and supporting these learners. Some sessions include presentations from experts in the field, and other sessions include case study discussions and resource sharing. This virtual group is a great way to form connections with other educators around the state who teach learners with multiple disabilities, including deafblindness, and we welcome new members.

The next meeting is Tuesday, March 3rd from 4:30pm-6pm PT with guest presenter, Megan Leuzinger, an expert on promoting meaningful literacy instruction for learners with complex access and support needs. Contact Julie Maier, CDBS Project Coordinator, at jmaier@sfsu.edu to learn more about this PLC.

If you’re interested in attending these meetings, sign up below to receive notifications.

Seeking Community Input

Family Needs Assessment Survey

Our team wants to hear from families in California with children who are deafblind about the services and resources you find valuable and areas you need more information or support. We invite family members to participate in a short Needs Assessment Survey which will take less than 10 minutes to complete. All responses will remain confidential and will only be used to guide program planning and resource development. We value your feedback and appreciate the time you take to complete the survey. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Myrna Medina myrnam@sfsu.edu or Julie Maier jmaier@sfsu.edu

Family Needs Assessment Survey

Resource Corner

CDBS Quick Clicks Video Fact Sheets

Our team has created video fact sheets to explain some essential deafblind intervention practices and tools for use by educators, early interventionists, and families. Each video shares a practice, materials, and/or ideas in 15 minutes or less. Let us know what you think of our video fact sheets or offer suggestions for other topics, practices, and tools for future fact sheets.

CDBS Quick Clicks

Valentine’s Day Activities from Paths to Literacy

Paths to Literacy is one of our favorite website to find ideas, tips, and resources for designing lessons and activities that promote literacy and communication skill development for learners who are deafblind. This month they’ve shared multiple ideas for art, literacy, and sensory activities related to Valentine’s Day for children with various levels of abilities and support needs.

Valentine’s Day Ideas 2026

IDEA Disability Category Tip Sheet

The Center for Parent information & Resources shared in their January newsletter a series of tip sheets developed by the PROGRESS Center, another federally-funded technical assistance and issemintaion project These tip sheets, including one specific to deafblindness, provide an overview of each qualifying disability category as outlined in IDEA and describes how these disabilities may impact students and also shares strategies for success and links to additional resources. Click on link below to check out the Tip Sheet on Deafblindness.

Image of a printed informational fact sheet.

Progress Center: IDEA Tip Sheet: Deafblindness

A graphic image of California state map with text California Deafblind Services across the map.

February 2026: CDBS Connections (Newsletter)

February 2026: CDBS Connections

Image: Lake Tahoe in winter. Getty Images.

Upcoming Events

Seeking Community Input

Resource Corner

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