DeafBlind Resource Team (DBRT)

Supporting Students with Combined Vision & Hearing Needs

Our Mission

The IU1 DeafBlind Resource Team (DBRT) provides collaborative support and technical assistance to professionals and families working with students who have both vision and hearing loss. Our mission is to empower educational teams with the knowledge, strategies, and tools needed to meet the unique sensory, communication, and learning needs of students with deaf-blindness.

All IU1 DBRT services are offered at no cost to multidisciplinary teams and families.

Areas of Support

The DBRT can assist with:

Increasing understanding of sensory and communication needs specific to DeafBlindness
Promoting accurate inclusion of eligible students in the DeafBlind Census
Identifying and recommending tools for initial and ongoing student assessment
Conducting observations to inform and guide team planning
Sharing materials, resources, and evidence-based strategies
Providing professional development and training opportunities
Supporting completion of the Communication Plan (e.g., sign language, AAC)
Assisting with the development of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals
Selecting, implementing, and troubleshooting technology tools
Facilitating collaboration and team development at the student level
Identifying effective instructional practices to promote access and participation
Supporting planning for transitions, including self-advocacy and self-determination
Engaging and connecting families with resources and community supports

Please note: The IU1 DBRT does not provide direct student instruction, therapy, or ongoing direct services.

For District Administrators

If your team wishes to request DBRT support, the request must be initiated by your district’s Special Education Director or Building Principal.
Please complete the IU1 DeafBlind Resource Team Request form to submit your request.

For Parents & Guardians

If you’re interested in DBRT support for your child, please contact your school Principal or Special Education Director. The district administrator (Principal or Director) will submit the DBRT Request for Assistance/Consultation on behalf of the IEP team.

How It Works

Request Submission — The district administrator submits a DBRT Request for Assistance/Consultation form.
Team Discussion & Planning — IU1 DBRT staff coordinate a one-hour facilitated meeting (online or in person) to review the student, environment, communication and learning tasks, and available tools. This discussion leads to development of an Action Plan tailored to the student’s needs.
Assistance/Consultation Delivered — The DBRT provides consultation, resource recommendations, team development, and training. They do not provide direct student therapy or services.