Regional Resources
The following Wisconsin based organizations provide support, resources, and advocacy for students with combined hearing and vision loss and their caregivers and the professionals working with them.
Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project The Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project (WDBTAP) works to improve services and support for children (birth to 21 or when the student accepts their diploma) who are deafblind and their families resulting in increased participation in family, community and employment settings. The Center for Deaf-Blind Persons serves youths and adults who have some degree of loss in both hearing and sight. Their goal is to help people achieve as much independence as possible and to experience the fulfillment of participating in meaningful work or leisure activities. Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WESP-DHH) provides comprehensive education and support services to all Wisconsin children who are deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind, their families and their service providers. Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired The Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI), as an integral part of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, works in partnership with local education agencies and other service providers, to serve as a statewide network of professionals, resources, materials and equipment to promote quality professional practices directed toward ensuring excellence in educational programming and expanded opportunities for students who are blind or visually impaired. Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP) The Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP) is to help people with disabilities buy specialized equipment they need in order to use basic telephone services. To apply for a TEPP voucher online, use our revised online application below. If you are unable to use the online application, you can print the application form provided in pdf format and mail to the address on the form. Telecommunication Assistance Program (TAP) The Telecommunication Assistance Program (TAP) is an application-based financial assistance program for the purpose of making telecommunications devices and distance communication equipment available to Wisconsin residents of any age who are severely hard of hearing, Deaf, or deafblind. TAP can assist with paying co-pay costs associated with the Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP), or funding towards the purchase of specialized telecommunications equipment, new hearing aids, or cochlear implant external processors. Funding is available on a first-come first-served basis. TAP applicants may apply once every three years. There are four program options available when applying for TAP assistance: TAP Copay; TAP Equipment Purchase Assistance (TEPA); TAP Plus; and TAP Hearing Aid Assistance (TAP HAA).
National Resources
The following national organizations provide support, resources, and advocacy for students with combined hearing and vision loss and their caregivers and the professionals working with them.
iCanConnect provides free distance communication equipment including smartphones, tablets, computers, screen readers, braille displays, and more to people who meet federal disability and income guidelines. National Center on Deaf-Blindness National Center on Deaf-Blindness’ (NCDB) primary mission is to support state deaf-blind projects as they assist educators, agencies, and organizations to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to help children with deafblindness learn, access the general education curriculum, and successfully transition to adult life. Helen Keller National Center For Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC) provides training and resources exclusively to people age 16 and over who have combined vision and hearing loss. Intervener.org helps to explain what an intervener does as well as to provide resources to support interveners, school teams and families in using an intervener. National Family Association for Deaf-Blind The National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB) is the largest national nonprofit organization empowering families with individuals who are deafblind. The Perkins School for the Blind's mission is to prepare children and young adults who are blind with the education, confidence and skills they need to realize their potential. The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation leads and partners to improve the lives of people with CHARGE syndrome locally, nationally, and internationally through outreach, education, and research. The Usher Syndrome Coalition aims to identify and connect the 400,000+ people living with Usher syndrome worldwide with researchers, vital information, and others in the Usher syndrome community. The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders improves the lives of individuals with Peroxisomal Disorders by funding research, championing scientific collaboration, and empowering families and professionals through educational programs and support services.
Transition Resources
The following resources are for students who are deafblind, their families, and their service providers to address transition needs.
This guide was created to help develop a planning document for parents of children who are deafblind to prepare for life after high school. This guide was created to help develop a planning document for students who are deafblind to prepare for life after high school. . Come play some transition bingo! The goal of these cards is for children and young adults who are deafblind to continue to build their transition skills while learning how to play the fun game of Bingo. Open Doors: A Guide to Adult Services This handbook has been created to assist you, your parents, school counselors, and others on your IEP team in understanding the range of adult services available and how to access them. Opening Doors to Postsecondary Education and Training This handbook has been created to assist you, your parents, school counselors, and others on your Individualized Education Program (IEP) team in planning for postsecondary education and training opportunities Opening Doors to Self Determination Skills This handbook has been created to assist you to develop advocacy skills so you can prepare for your transition from high school. The handbook provides valuable information and resources for you to learn more about your rights, wishes, needs, and strengths in planning for your future. The National Deaf Center’s mission is to close the substantial gaps in education and employment that exist for deaf people in the United States and its territories. They are a technical assistance and dissemination center funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). Perkins School for the Blind Transition Timeline: Where to Start Perkins shares a general timeline for educational teams and families to consider as their child turns 14 years old and some suggestions for even earlier. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps people with disabilities find a job, keep a job, or get a better job. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) WIOA seeks to more fully integrate states' workforce and talent development systems to better serve employers and job seekers. Transition Improvement Grant (TIG) The mission of TIG is to provide professional development to educators, youth, families and transition partners to ensure every child graduates, college and career ready. College, Career, and Community Readiness for Students with IEPs Resources to support students at all age and developmental levels to be independent and college, career, and community ready.
Additional Family Support and Advocacy Organizations
Information and links to a variety of statewide family support and advocacy organizations that support all students who receive special education through an IEP including the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI), Wisconsin Family Assistance Center of Education, Training & Support (WI FACETS), Disability Rights Wisconsin, Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (BPDD), and the Arc of Wisconsin.