Students who have a hearing or vision loss of any degree cannot access the same amount or quality of information without accommodation for their sensory losses.  When we know that 80-95% of information comes to us through our vision and hearing, it is logical that educational programming for students who are deafblind must take into consideration the unique learning needs of each child, with special attention to the input of information and consistent access to communication.

The SW/WC Service Cooperative has two educational audiologists, a consultant and teacher for Deaf/Hard of Hearing, and a consultant for Vision Impairment that provide:

·         A link between the Minnesota DeafBlind Project and local school districts.

·         Dissemination of information and resources related to DeafBlindness.

·         Vision and Hearing evaluations and educational assessments.

·         Support and assistance in educational programming.

·         Facilitation of professional development for staff and families working with students with deafblindness.

·         Collaboration and inservices with families, school personnel and community agencies.

·         Participation in statewide networks for early hearing detection intervention, Audiology, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Vision, and DeafBlind.