| The dark and silent world of a deaf-blind person presents a unique challenge to the education, social service and rehabilitation communities. One of the major moral and legal tenants of our society is equal opportunity for all, therefore, deaf-blind persons must have available to them the same range of services as are available to other persons, ablebodied or disabled.;This model program has been developed in response to the pressing need for additional opportunities for deaf-blind persons. The model takes into consideration (a) the relative rarity of deaf-blindness, (b) the likelihood that deaf-blind persons' needs will be varied, extensive, and lifelong, (c) the scarcity of personnel qualified to serve them, (d) the operational and attitudinal barriers frequently faced by deaf-blind persons and (e) the desirability of keeping service - delivery expenses reasonable.;This service plan is organized into nine primary need areas. Each addresses a range of client needs and details strategies that may be used to serve deaf-blind persons more effectively. Strategies for inter-agency cooperation, staff recruitment and training, and sources of funding are also included when appropriate within each area.;This model program does not purport to detail all possible strategies for serving deaf-blind persons. It does recognize the full range of individual differences found among deaf-blind persons, and that the potential range of service needs may vary extensively. Therefore, this model describes a broad strategy designed to remain flexible enough to respond to these individual differences.;The present service delivery systems that may be effective for other disabled persons may not work for those with this dual disability. Deaf-blind persons may be excluded from obtaining necessary and important services and thus may not be able to attain their true potential.;The model should be used by persons interested in the further development of services to deaf-blind persons. The model will continue to be refined as we gain more experience in working with deaf-blind adults and agencies and organizations interested in serving them. |
