Georgia Sensory Assistance Project
Services to Children and Youth with Deafblindness
Description of Services
Technical assistance is provided to parents, teachers, agency members, or school staff in the form of information, skill development, and resources, enabling them to more effectively teach infants, children and youth who are deafblind. Technical assistance may be provided any number of ways, depending upon the needs of the person requesting assistance.
Consultation
On-site consultation
School consultation. This technical assistance provides support to educational and related service staff on issues related to the education of students with deafblindness.
In-home consultation is provided to families receiving technical assistance in the home through the Georgia PINES project. It consists of family training and assistance to effectively facilitate learning and independence within the home.
Demonstration Site program
The program provides extensive technical assistance to targeted counties and schools throughout the state to improve services in the region. Additionally, these classrooms serve as visitation sites to show exemplary practices.
Consultation by phone
This form of consultation provides information, referral, and support to families and educational staff in an expedient manner.
Training
Family Workshops & Training
The Georgia Sensory Assistance Project offers families a selection of workshops targeting issues related to deafblindness. The GSAP/ PINES Parent workshop is typically offered in the fall and annually attracts approximately 100 families of children with sensory impairments.
Weekend Retreats
Weekend retreats are provided to families and professionals and address specific areas related to individuals with deafblindness. Typically these begin Friday night and finish either Saturday or Sunday. Two to four weekend retreats are offered yearly.
Summer Institutes
The summer institutes are typically a three day training opportunity in the education of individuals with deafblindess. PLU credit is provided.
Parent Advisor Training
This Advisor program provides comprehensive training of special educators to become technical assistance providers to families of children, birth to three years of age, with sensory impairments. Family focused technical assistance occurs in natural environments. Educators are trained over six days, using the nationally validated INSITE curriculum and national trainers.
Networking
Families and teachers have networking opportunities through trainings, referrals, and collaborative activities. Resources
Referrals
Referrals are made through the Georgia Sensory Assistance Project. Families and professionals are linked to individuals or agencies who provide services and support to individuals with deafblindness. Information Dissemination. A variety of information is provided by the Georgia Sensory Assistance Project, including written information, monographs, public service announcements, videos, articles and other pertinent information relating to deafblindness.
