DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/SRVW-8V60
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0687-0678
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Special Education
First Advisor
Dr. Yaoying Xu
Second Advisor
Dr. Colleen Thoma
Third Advisor
Dr. Colleen Thoma
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Beth Kennedy
Abstract
The purpose of this mixed-methods research study was to identify the educational trends of children and young adults who are deafblind and identify strategies to improve the outcomes through interviews of nationally qualified interveners who have received training in deafblind specific strategies. Secondary data from the 2017-2021 National Center on Deafblindness and interview transcripts were used for data analysis and then integrated to identify the supports students who are deafblind should access. Trends in age of identification, primary eligibility category, school settings and access to state standardized assessments showed a plateau and displayed no significant improvement in educational outcomes. Nationally qualified interveners were interviewed and provided anecdotal data on the importance of training and how that supported the increase in communication and academic outcomes for their students who are deafblind. Recommendations include the importance of early identification and appropriate eligibility label for students who are deafblind and trained personnel in the role of the intervener.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
12-5-2023
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching Commons, Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, Special Education and Teaching Commons