2017 National Webinar: Brain Research: How Can Current Research Guide Us in Improving Practices for Children and Youth Who are Deafblind?
Recorded April 26, 2017
This presentation addressed what current research tells us about the development and functioning of the brain and the affects of combined vision and hearing loss on brain development. Much of what is recognized as characteristic of children and youth who are deafblind can now be better explained and understood with the information that is available through research, using new imaging and testing techniques. This research explains much about social and emotional development, including how stress affects the brain’s ability to self-regulate and learn. It can help us better understand the behavior and cognitive development of children and youth who are deafblind, as well as their development of language and communication skills. Most importantly, based upon what the research tells us, what recommendations should be given and what changes can be made to improve practices for children and youth who are deafblind in home, school, and community settings?
This webinar is apart of a larger series called NCDB Professional Development Webinar Series: Research in Deaf-Blindness.
Webinar Resources
Recording and Transcript
Associated Files
Presenter Information
Linda Alsop is the Director of Deafblind Programs at the SKI-HI Institute at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. She has extensive experience working directly with children with sensory loss and their families, including serving as a classroom teacher of students with multiple disabilities, a teacher of students with hearing impairments, and an early intervention service provider for children with deafblindness. She has experience with Early Intervention Part C Programs and educational Part B Programs and has coordinated statewide intervener services for children who are deafblind. She has developed curriculum, training materials, and resources, used by families, professionals, and interveners throughout the country. She serves as a consultant in deafblindness and is actively involved in national efforts to professionalize the intervener practice in the United States. She developed and implemented the first online higher education training program in the country that trains interveners to work with individuals who are deafblind helped establish the National Intervener Credential through the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals. She works closely with parents of children who are deafblind on intervener advocacy efforts and provides training and support related to educational laws and the rights of children with deafblindness to have equal access in educational settings. Linda is the recipient of the 2017 CEC DVIDB Exemplary Advocate Award.