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.
NCDB's National Initiatives
- Identification and Referral
- Family Engagement
- Interveners and Qualified Personnel
- Transition to Adult Life
- Access to the General Education Curriculum
Learn more about national initiatives
Technical Assistance
NCDB's technical assistance (TA) refers to a variety of activities, such as information, training, consultation, and coaching designed to support state deafblind projects as they work with practitioners, agencies, and families to address the intense educational needs of children who are deafblind. Read more about NCDB's services to state deafblind projects →
NCDB also provides TA to some additional entities, including national family organizations.
Information Services
Our information services involve both information dissemination and product development to serve two key purposes:
- Resources and tools that support state deafblind project activities
- Information about deafblindness and high-quality instructional practices for families and practitioners
These are made available via this website and through library services provided in collaboration with Perkins School for the Blind. Go to the Info Center →
National Child Count
NCDB compiles data about children with deafblindness collected by state deafblind projects and publishes an annual report. The report provides valuable information to inform the design and delivery of TA, research needs, and personnel training. Access the National Child Count →