DEAFBLINDNESS — Most people who are deafblind have some usable vision and/or usable hearing. It is important to understand that individuals who are completely deaf and totally blind, like Helen Keller was, make up only about six percent of the total group that is considered “deafblind.” CDBS uses this functional definition of deafblindness when providing services to families and professionals:
"If an individual (birth through age 21) has combined hearing and vision issues that are significant enough to require considerations (such as specialized adaptations, modifications, and strategies) when presenting information or interacting with the child, then that individual is considered eligible to receive CDBS services and should be included on the deafblind census."

Technical Assistance (TA) — California Deafblind Services staff meet and collaborate with professionals and families to brainstorm strategies and develop action plans.

  • Foundational and Targeted technical assistance (TA).
  • Onsite Intensive TA for families and educational teams in need of further coaching and consultation.
  • Urgent TA is provided in cases of sudden and significant decrease in hearing and/or vision, significant and unexplainable changes in behavior, and with a newly identified child who is not yet receiving any local educational or support services.

TRAINING REQUESTS — We offer trainings on a wide variety of topics related to educating children and youth who are deafblind for individual schools, district and county programs, early intervention programs and agencies, and university teacher training programs. — CONTACT US for more information and/or to schedule a training.

Interveners — Learn more about the role of the educational intervener and find useful resources about intervener services and training opportunities.

Census — We conduct a state-wide annual census of individuals who are deafblind from birth to 21 years old, in collaboration with local education and early intervention agencies.

Family Support Providers — CDBS coordinates a network of volunteer Family Support Providers who offer encouragement, guidance, support, and resources to other family members raising children who are deafblind. Contact Myrna Medina for more information myrnam@sfsu.edu