A student with dual sensory impairments is one who has impairments affecting both vision and hearing that has caused a serious impairment in the abilities to acquire information, communicate or function with the environment.

Complete information may be obtained through the Policies and Procedures for the Provision of Specially Designed Instruction and Related Services for Exceptional Students, Part III, K, Programs for Students Who Are Identified as Dual Sensory Impaired, pages 176 - 182. (Available in PDF format through dadeschools.net, under e-handbooks.)

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A student is eligible for special programs in dual sensory impairment, if the student meets the eligibility criteria as specified in the Policies and Procedures for the Provision of Specially Designed Instruction and Related Services for Exceptional Students, effective dates: 2004-2005 through 2006-2007.

The criteria documents:

1.     One or more of the following:
A visual acuity of 20/70 or less in the better eye; a peripheral field loss; a progressive vision loss; or other documented visual condition including but not limited to extreme light sensitivity or lack of contrast sensitivity; and

2.     One or more of the following hearing impairments: a hearing impairment of 30dB or greater unaided in the better ear, other documented auditory conditions including but not limited to monaural loss or an inability to screen out auditory background sounds; or a progressive hearing loss; and

3.     A combination of the visual and auditory impairments as specified above which adversely affects or has the potential to adversely the student's abilities to acquire information, communicate, or function within the environment, unless special instruction, materials, adaptation or counseling are provided; or

4.     A diagnosed degenerative condition or syndrome which will lead to dual sensory impairment and is likely to adversely affect the areas listed above.

Students are eligible for services from their third birthday until they graduate with a standard diploma or through the school year in which they turn 22.

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Each student with a disability is entitled to receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, which will enable the student to progress in the general curriculum to the maximum extent appropriate.  Special education and related services are designed to meet the unique needs of the student and includes specially designed instruction, supportive service, and accommodation and modifications as needed by the student.  A range of service delivery options is available to meet the student's special needs.  Teachers are trained to provide the unique services identified for each students are provided with administrative support to assure reasonable class size, adequate funds for materials , and inservice training.

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Associations:

National Association of the Deaf (NAD)

Deafblind International

National Family Association for Deaf-Blind

Websites:

Gallaudet University

Albuquerque Public Schools

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