Connections Beyond Sight and Sound is a partnership between the Maryland State Department of Education and the University of Maryland, College Park. This project supports Maryland and DC children and young adults with deafblindness in their homes, schools, and communities by providing consultation, training, special programs, resources, and technical assistance to children and their families and providers.

 

Mission
Connections Beyond Sight and Sound, the Maryland and DC DeafBlind Project is committed to supporting families, teachers, and service providers in their endeavors to improve outcomes for children and youth who experience both vision and hearing loss. Through providing technical assistance, training, and information, we aspire to improve the quality of life for people with deafblindness as they live in their homes, learn in their schools, socialize in their communities and access the services they choose.

Technical Assistance (TA) and Training

Photo a man and a young boy working at a classroom table and touching fingers while smiling

Upcoming Events

What to Expect During Transition from High School to Adulthood

November 19, 2024 
Presenter: Cheri Dowling
Location: Join Zoom Meeting
Explore and discuss the options and possibilities of transition for your child or student with an IEP and a sensory loss.

Assessment of Student’s who are Deafblind

December 10, 2024 
Presenter: Cathy Dunnigan and Evelyn Daniels
Location: Virtual
This presentation will illustrate some creative ideas, tools, and strategies to use when approaching state and alternative testing with a student who is deafblind with additional disabilities. It will also include ways to utilize the Unique Learning System curriculum as a teaching tool to prepare for testing.

Learn About Your Parental Rights

January 14, 2025 
Presenter: Cheri Dowling
Location: Zoom
Families of students that have disabilities have rights to advocate for their child. Learn the power of the dance, what not to do, and how to advocate appropriately.

Assessment of DeafBlind Access to Manual Language Systems ADAMLS

February 11, 2025 
Presenter: Robbie Blaha
Location: Zoom
This is a must see! The developer and author of the ADAMLS will be presenting to us about the importance and how to use this instrument! We look forward to seeing you on Zoom!

Updates and News on CVI from the Field

March 4, 2025 
Presenter: Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy
Location: Zoom
Dr. Christine Roman-Lantzy will provide us with an overview of what is happening and what is new in the field of CVI. Stay tuned!

Connections Beyond Sight and Sound is on Facebook! You are welcome to visit and like our page “The Maryland and DC DeafBlind Project” to receive ongoing information, important resources and events!

Thank you to all who completed our 2023 Annual Survey!  Below are some responses and comments to a question regarding what would you like to share about working with CBSS:

Working with CBSS has been extremely helpful and I appreciate the kind and professional approach to collaboration” 

CBSS is so important for the education of the deafblind student’s I am serving. The lives of my student’s are enriched by CBSS”

Our son has CHARGE Syndrome and working closely with Jen Willis has been key in developing his communication skills as well as our understanding of how to best connect with him. We are very grateful for CBSS and looking forward to partnering more as our son enters preschool this coming fall”