Take a look at our upcoming trainings and events! Be sure to check in often to see what is new!
For Families
FamFest 2026-27: Family Fun and Learning Series for Families of Children who are DeafBlind
Join us for some Fam-tastic Fun by participating in a special series of virtual family events created just for families of children who are deafblind! Every 4-6 weeks, the deafblind project will host a virtual event for your whole family to participate in with other families across the state. Before each event all materials and instructions for participating will be sent to your home. These events combine fun, connection, and learning — while supporting literacy through experience books that you can make and share with your child. Check back soon for more details and dates!!
Assistive Technology
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Communication
TBD | Beyond the Matrix: Assessment to Implementation for Students with Complex Communication Needs with Nancy Steele.
Do you have students with complex communication needs? Or, has someone told you your student has “no mode of communication?” Then you need the combined virtual and in-person course offered by the Indiana DeafBlind Services Project. You will learn how to use the assessment results of the Communication Matrix to develop communication goals and implement useful strategies for students with complex communication needs. This course focuses on using a “Team Approach” to ensure consistency in supporting your student. The DeafBlind Project will work with your district or agency to set up a training for your staff that works with your schedule and covers the information that you need. Please contact us at
October 23, 2026 - November 6, 2026 | Tactile Symbol Systems
This workshop series provides an overview of Tactile Symbol Systems from the foundation and rationale for such systems to their connection to communication and implementation with students. The series includes an introductory webinar, a full day training and two follow-up sessions after the training. Student teams, including family members, are encouraged to attend.
Cortical Visual Impairment
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Early Intervention
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Educational Strategies
November 10, 2026 - January 12, 2027 | Active Learning Training
Many DeafBlind children and blind children with multiple impairments wait for adults to provide stimulation. Therefore, they become passive. Active Learning techniques emphasize simple ways to change the environment so that a child becomes an active learner. It is an educational approach that emphasizes creating environments that encourage children to explore and learn independently. This method focuses on active participation and exploration rather than direct instruction, allowing children to engage with materials and experiences at their own pace.
Dr. Nielsen developed the approach known as Active Learning, and designed equipment that is specifically for blind, multi-disabled children. She was trained as a preschool teacher and as a psychologist. Dr. Nielsen worked with disabled children for almost 43 years, the last 33 years with visually impaired children (birth to 21 years of age) with and without other disabilities. Dr. Nielsen has written numerous books; conducted research on congenitally blind children’s spatial relationship, and designed several perceptual aids. She lectured all around the world and was the premier authority on visually impaired children with multiple disabilities.
This two-part training will focus on Dr. Nielsen's techniques and how to implement active learning with students who are deafblind and blind with multiple impairments.
Literacy
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Interpreters/SSPs
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Transition to Adult Life
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