National Consortium for Paraprofessional Training in Deafblindness
Objectives
This Project addresses the national need for competency-based preservice training for paraprofessionals in deafblindness by:
- Developing 3 semester (9 credit hours) of online coursework in Deafblindness, utilizing the best practices in distance education instructional strategies
- Field testing the 3 courses at three community colleges in Utah, Massachusetts, and Texas, and at one two-year program of study in Arkansas
- Embedding the 3 courses as electives into existing programs of study at each site, so that students can take just the three courses in Deafblindness, or as part of an Associate Degree Program
- Ensuring that the competencies for the coursework interface with each state’s standards for paraprofessionals
- Coordinating with State Deafblind Projects to assist in recruitment and practicum efforts
