Deafblind Program

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What do you mean by Deafblind?

Deafblindness is a condition in which both a hearing and vision loss are present at the same time. The combined effect of these losses, even if both are mild , creates unique challenges in conducting many functions of daily life. Deafblindness can affect how a person communicates, how they get around in their communities, how they obtain employment, or how they learn independent living skills.

Most people considered to be Deafblind are not totally deaf or totally blind . Many individuals have useable vision and hearing. There is a tremendous variety in the degrees of vision and hearing loss and a great range of skills and abilities among individuals who are Deafblind.

It is estimated that there are more than 70,000 Americans who are considered to be Deafblind. This figure excludes the escalating number of older adults losing their vision and hearing due to the aging process. In Mississippi alone, it is estimated that there are between 200 and 300 individuals who are considered to be Deafblind. This includes individual’s birth to adulthood. Through collaboration with other state agencies, MS /department of Rehabilitation Services is identifying more and more individuals who have a combination of a vision and hearing loss.

There are more than 70 known causes of deafblindness. The major causes include Usher’s Syndrome, Rubella Syndrome, Meningitis, and CHARGE. Each cause has specific characteristics and challenges that must be considered when planning educational and employment opportunities.

What does the Deafblind Program do?

The Deafblind Program provides training and assistance to consumers, families, and service providers of adults who have both a hearing and vision impairments at the same time.

An individual eligible for Deafblind Services through the MS Department of Rehabilitation is one who:

Employment Track

Has a combination of a hearing and vision loss that constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment and can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from MS Department of Rehabilitation Services. Requires Vocational Rehabilitation services or Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind in order to prepare for, enter, engage in, or retain gainful employment.

Independent Living Track

Has a combination of a hearing and vision loss that substantially limits one or more of the individual’s major life functions and in which a non-vocational goal is the outcome.

What are the available services?

What are the program/facility services?

Deafblindness is a unique disability and requires services to be specialized. Deafblind individuals may need many different services and several people to work together to provide these services.

Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf (RCD) and Rehabilitation Counselors for the Blind (RCB) work together and with other Counselors, such as Supported Employment Counselors, Transition Counselors, Independent Living Counselors, Employment Coordinators and a Deafblind Specialist to provide the services.

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