This session emphasizes the diversity within the DeafBlind community, highlighting a spectrum of combined vision and hearing loss and dispelling misconceptions about complete deafness and blindness. Exploring common causes of vision loss, ranging from prenatal factors to congenital complications like the Rubella epidemic, it stresses the importance of understanding the cause to provide appropriate support and services. The speakers underscore the significance of collaboration with employers to create accessible work environments and enhance vocational rehabilitation services. Throughout, the focus is on fostering inclusion through various communication styles, such as ASL, Tactile Sign Language, Assistive Technology, and Print on Palm, with an invitation for the audience to share personal experiences.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the diverse causes of vision loss in the DeafBlind community to provide effective support and services.
• Explore strategies for fostering inclusive communication and collaboration with employers to enhance vocational rehabilitation services for DeafBlind individuals.