NCDB Services

For most children, communication development and learning occur through vision and hearing. Because deafblindness limits access to auditory and visual information, children who are deafblind require educational services individualized to their own learning styles and abilities. Most also have one or more additional disabilities or medical conditions, further intensifying educational support needs.

Learn more about children who are deafblind

In recognition of the complexity of the disability, the U.S. Congress has authorized programs for children who are deafblind as part of education legislation since the late 1960s. NCDB and state deafblind projects are the most current programs—funded under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

NCDB and the state deafblind projects exist to help increase the knowledge and skills of educators and families who work with children who are deafblind and create sustainable services through systems change.

Most of NCDB’s services are aligned with five national initiatives designed to address key needs of children with deafblindness, their families, and service providers.