D. Jay Gense & Mark Schalock NCDB: Teaching Research Institute, Western Oregon University

1. Using Evidence-based Strategies and Technical Assistance to Improve Identification of Infants and Toddlers with Combined Vision and Hearing Loss D. Jay Gense & Mark Schalock NCDB: Teaching Research Institute, Western Oregon University Barbara Purvis NCDB: Helen Keller National Center www.nationaldb.org

2. Deaf-Blindness –“the big picture in 2013” • General Demographics • # of children • Disability variance • Etiologies • Living & Education Settings • National TA model

3. Overview: Early Identification & Referral Initiative • Identifying the need • Response • Implementation strategies • Tools for TA

4. Average Number of Infants and Toddlers who are Deaf-Blind: 2007-2011

5. Distribution of Infants across States: 2007 - 2011

6. Early Identification and referral Self-Assessment Guide Process includes • Data analysis • Reflection • Issues to consider • Effective strategies • Targeted action

7. Example page from the data analysis section of the Early Identification and referral Self-Assessment Guide

8. Initial Implementation • Adopted more narrow focus • Final web-based product developed in collaboration with ten pilot states • Informed by evaluation data • Development of detailed planning guide

9. Initial Implementation Provided framework that includes • Four key practices • Descriptors of each practice • Considerations for implementation • Resources and Examples

10. Implementation: Intensive TA • Initial group of ten pilot states • Eight additional states currently • Included TA around key evidence based practices • Ongoing TA for groups addressing a targeted issue or system

11. Implementation: Universal TA • Access to the Guide via NCDB website • Announcements via email, web and social media • Introductory webinar • Article written by pilot state • Access to EI&R Team for questions

12. Implementation : Targeted TA • Self-populating data tables • Access to EI&R Team throughout self-assessment process • Consultation available on request • Toolbox of resources • Promotes network-wide discussion

13. Initial Outcomes • More targeted approach to EI&R issues and systems • National access to collaboratively developed web-based product • At least 21 states implementing a data based decision making process

14. Initial Outcomes • Eighteen states implementing evidence based practices to improve effectiveness • Core group of ten states committed to developing targeted materials to promote a consistent national effort • Increased number of infants and toddlers referred to State Deaf-Blind Projects

15. Next Steps • Promote and facilitate use of Self Assessment Guide among additional State Deaf-Blind Projects • Ongoing expansion of Toolbox • Expanded EI&R Team for TA delivery • Create online opportunities for network-wide discussion and problem solving

16. Questions/discussion • What can we do to facilitate constituents’ use of data to address challenges? • How might TA Centers within and beyond OSEP better collaborate to support early identification and referral efforts?

17. NCDB Contact Information D. Jay Gense, Director gensej@wou.edu or 503-838-8390 Barbara Purvis, Team Lead, Early Identification and Referral Initiative barbara.purvis@hknc.org or 913-677-4562 Mark Schalock, Evaluation Specialist schalom@wou.edu or 503-838-8777