This project supports a certificate program in deaf-blind rehabilitation services. The trainees include practicing professionals who are knowledgeable and experienced in providing services to persons who are deaf-blind. Trainees receive intensive instruction beginning with a general orientation to deaf-blindness and including study on issues related to independent living, psychosocial considerations, assessment, employment, and technology.
Emphasis is placed on experiential learning with many opportunities to apply classroom knowledge.
The intensive on-campus training generates nine credit hours in 120 hours of contact. Credit can be generated at either the graduate or undergraduate level. During the three-week period, the trainees are assisted in developing linkages with local agencies and academic institutions in their home geographic areas. Trainees also develop individual learning contracts for six semester hours of individualized coursework to be completed during the eleven months following the training institute. Mentorship during the distance learning component is provided by the NIU faculty and through linkages generated for the trainee in his of her home area.