Deaf-Blind Program Focus

The program coordinator serves as a resource for people who have a combined loss of both hearing and vision, and to service providers. The program coordinator conducts population studies, conducts needs assessments, provides information and referral, technical assistance, and facilitates coordination of training needs for deaf-blind New Mexicans.

Program Objectives

The program focuses on the following three objectives:

1. Identify New Mexicans who have combined loss of both hearing and vision.
2. Provide consultation to service providers who work with people who have combined hearing and vision loss.
3. Collaborate with other state and private agencies to develop a strong cooperative approach to services for deaf-blind people.

What We Can Do For You!

Information and Referral

General information related to people who have combined vision and hearing loss is provided upon request. Referrals are made for programs, services and resources that are available in New Mexico and nationally.

Specialized Telephone Equipment

Telephone Equipment is available at no charge for qualified applicants who are hard of hearing, deaf, deaf-blind, or have combined loss of hearing and vision.

This includes text telephones (TTYs) with or without braille, amplified telephones, cordless amplified telephones, large visual displays (LVDs), computer modems, and telephone ring signalers.

Training Coordination

The goal of training is to ensure access and quality services to people who have a combined loss of both hearing and vision. The Program Coordinator identifies training needs and helps to facilitate and coordinate needed training throughout New Mexico.

Technical Assistance and Consultation to Service Providers

Consultation is available at no charge to agencies and organizations working with people who have combined vision and hearing loss. The Program Coordinator assists providers by researching and analyzing situations, and making referrals as needed.

The statewide Deaf-Blind Program is supported jointly by the New Mexico Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons and the New Mexico Commission for the Blind.

New Mexico Resources

Statewide Deaf-Blind Program

Regional Director:

National Information Clearinghouse on Children Who Are Deaf-Blind (DB-LINK)

www.tr.wou.edu/dblink

Helen Keller National Center (HKNC)
www.hknc.org

Regional Office:

National Technical Assistance Consortium for Children and Young Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind (NTAC)
Ages Birth to 28

Western Region:
Shawn Barnard

www.tr.wou.edu/ntac

Perkins School for the Blind