Dual Sensory Impairment

Dual sensory impairment is a very low incidence disability. Students who are dual sensory impaired exhibit great variability in their impairments. Many students who are deaf and blind have some usable vision and/or hearing, but often there are additional physical, cognitive, and/or medical concerns. The combination of hearing and vision impairments may cause a serious impairment in the abilities to acquire information, communicate, or function within the environment. The education needs of deaf and blind students are met through extensive and unique adaptations to curriculum and instruction.

Criteria for Eligibility
A student is eligible for specially designed instruction and related services as a student with a dual-sensory impairment fi the following criteria are met:

  1. One or more of the following visual impairments:
    1. A visual acuity of 20/70 or less in the better eye after best correction
    2. A peripheral field loss
    3. A progressive vision loss
    4. Other documented visual conditions, including, but not limited to, extreme light sensitivity or lack of contrast sensitivity
  2. One or more of the following hearing impairments:
    1. Hearing impairment of 30 dB or greater unaided in the better ear
    2. Other documented auditory conditions including, but not limited to, monaural loss or an inability to screen out auditory background sounds
    3. A progressive hearing loss
  3. A combination of the visual and auditory impairments as specified above that adversely affects, or has the potential to adversely affect, the student’s abilities to acquire information, communicate, or function within the environment, unless special instruction, materials, adaptations, or counseling are provided
  4. A diagnosed degenerative condition or syndrome that will lead to dual-sensory impairment and is likely to adversely affect the areas listed above
  5. The student demonstrates a need for special education

Procedures for Student Evaluation

The minimum student evaluations include:

  1. For students with a suspected degenerative condition or syndrome that will lead to dual-sensory impairment: a medical statement confirming the existence of such a condition or syndrome and its prognosis.
  2. For children who are under the age of three (3) years:
    1. A medical eye exam describing etiology, diagnosis, and prognosis
    2. Documented observation of functional vision that includes possible impediments to visual use
    3. An audiological exam
    4. Documented observation of auditory functioning
  3. For students who are over the age of three (3) years:
    1. A medical eye exam describing etiology, diagnosis, and prognosis
    2. Documented observation of functional vision which includes possible impediments to visual use
    3. An audiological exam
    4. Documented observation of auditory functioning
    5. An assessment of speech and language functioning which includes a differential diagnosis of the student’s linguistic abilities and of modality strengths and preferences
    6. An assessment of intellectual functioning, developmental level, or academic functioning

Instructional Program for Dual-Sensory Impaired

Specialized services/instruction are available based on the individual needs of the student. Educational aids are determined by the needs of each student and may be similar to those provided for students who are deaf/hard-of-hearing or have a visual impairment. Support services may include communication interpreters, classroom aids, vision instruction, use of low vision devices, specialized equipment and assistive technology, career/technical education skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure activities, self-determination skills, social interaction skills, orientation and mobility instruction (if determined appropriate).