 Network News
In its recently funded proposal, NCDB identified a number of Technical Work Groups
(TWG) as one mechanism by which it will actively engage the community in our work.
The questions and answers below offer some details.
WHAT'S A TWG?
A TWG (pronounced "twig") is a group of people with common interests working
together on specific initiatives or activities. Individual TWGs will feel a bit
like a hybrid between an advisory council and a topic-specific task force or
working group.
WHY ARE TWG's BEING ESTABLISHED?
The newly funded State and Multi-State Deaf-Blind Projects, and NCDB (together,
known as the National Deaf-Blind TA Network) are charged by OSEP to improve our
collective integration of efforts and alignment of services across the network of
projects. Such integration and alignment will help to expand and enhance access
to needed information and resources, increase consistency and access to high-quality
TA, and reduce duplication of effort across states and the national center.
TWGs will be one mechanism NCDB will use to assist with this integration and
alignment. Because TWGs will include individuals representing broad perspectives
in our collective product development activities, they will be able to provide
guidance and advice, and offer perspectives about approaches and strategies that
support an improved alignment of effort across projects and other systems serving
children who are deaf-blind.
WHAT'S THE ROLE OF A TWG?
TWGs may serve one or more functions dependent upon the activity(ies) in which
they are engaged. Example of these functions include, although aren't limited to:
- Facilitating strategic planning for the Deaf-Blind Project Network
- Reviewing, advising and providing feedback on practice and policy
- Product development
- Identifying and implementing collaborative activities
WHO WILL BE ON A TWG? HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE INVOLVED?
TWGs will vary in size and representation based on their respective focus areas,
but will include representation from State and Multi-State Deaf-Blind Projects,
parents and parent organizations, service providers, administrators, and consumers
who are deaf-blind. It is anticipated that TWGs will range in size from 6-12
individuals.
HOW OFTEN WILL TWGS MEET?
The frequency of TWG meetings will depend on the current work being addressed by
the respective TWGs, but it's likely that TWGs will meet 4-6 times annually.
HOW WILL TWGS MEET?
Typically, TWG meetings will be held virtually, using Adobe Connect video-conferencing.
Few, if any, meetings involving travel are anticipated.
WHAT'S THE BENEFIT OF SERVING ON A TWG?
TWGs will be used to help increase engagement of all stakeholders and to assist
NCDB to identify and prioritize tools, products, training, professional development,
and technical assistance activities. Individuals serving on a TWG will help shape
the direction and focus of NCDB's work, all of which brings focus to improving the
national infrastructure for delivering technical assistance. Serving on a TWG offers
the opportunity to share expertise and perspective, build relationships, and to
investigate the questions and challenges of building lasting supports for the future.
WHEN ARE THE FIRST TWG's STARTING?
We will begin by establishing a TWG by the end of February 2014 in the following
three areas:
- Intervener Services
- Network Engagement (focus on identifying strategies to improve collaboration
across the deaf-blind project network)
- Family Engagement
We will use these three TWGs to help establish process and protocol for
additional TWGs to be established in the future.
 Intervener Learning Modules
In December, seven teams, comprised of State Deaf-Blind Project staff, family members,
O&M professionals, teachers, and interveners, began work to build the next set of
Open Hands, Open Access Deaf-Blind Intervener Learning Modules.
In this cycle of creation module topics include:
- Orientation and Mobility
- Concept Development and Active Learning
- Deaf-Blind Intervention Strategies
- Maximizing Vision and Hearing
- Collaboration and Family Partnership
- Social Skills and Peer Relationships
- Self-Determination
In early March, the module creators will gather in Phoenix, AZ for an intensive
3 days of work to supplement what is occurring virtually. Many of the family
members and project staff who are involved in developing this new content have
been able to “take” and offer feedback on the first set of modules. Additionally,
a few of the OHOA Module Team Leaders have been using the preliminary modules
with groups of learners in their states to increase broad based knowledge and
awareness of the role of the intervener. This direct experience in using the
modules is creating insight into aligning the new content with what has already
been developed. We look forward to sharing updates about opportunities for more
field testing and for use by state systems for professional development.
 Opportunities at CEC Conference
The April Council for Exceptional Children Conference offers some unique opportunities
for professionals in deaf-blindness: a consideration in the general business meeting
to formally change the chapter name of the Division on Visual Impairment (DVI) to
Division on Visual Impairment & Deafblindness (DVI DB); poster sessions highlighting
efforts and innovations in the field; and a Deafblind Community Forum meeting.
Find more conference details here.
 Deaf-Blind Summit in July
The OSEP Project Directors' Conference will be held July 21-23, 2014 in Washington,
D.C. at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. State Deaf-Blind Projects and NCDB will
meet on Sunday, July 20th. Save the date and watch for details.
 Upcoming Webinars
NCDB will be hosting an informal Adobe video conference meeting to discuss the Deaf-Blind
Child Count. Come join us to get updates, ask your questions and share ideas, Tuesday,
March 11th, 10 a.m. PST. Connect information here.
NCDB will be hosting a webinar for new state project staff. This is a follow up to a
February webinar where 10 project staff came together to ask questions and share
perspectives. The webinar will be held Wednesday, March 19th at 12 noon PST.
Connect information here.
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