Purpose
The purpose of this topic is to provide information on sensory impairments including hearing impairments, vision impairments, and deaf-blindness. This topic aims to expand the knowledge base and capacity of pre-professionals, educators, and service providers. The sensory impairment topic includes the following materials: (a) syllabus, (b) professional development guide (slide deck), (c) case study, (d) learning activities, (e) multimedia illustrations, and (f) resources. This topic can also be adapted by faculty for use as course materials.
The sections of this topic are designed to be flexible. Sample syllabi serve as a resource to help you consider the key sections and content to include in a syllabus, as well as ideas for content specific to each topic area. PD guides can be used in their entirety to cover multiple PD sessions. Specific content in the topics, PD guides, multimedia illustrations (videos), learning activities, and resources can be used individually to enhance existing course content.
Objective
As a result of active participation and successful engagement with this topic, students will be able to:
- Describe assessments and interventions for infants and young children with sensory impairments such as hearing impairments, vision impairments, and deaf-blindness.
- Explain the impacts of sensory impairments on child development.
- Identify early intervention and education services for infants and young children with sensory impairments.
- Develop IFSP and IEP outcomes for infants and young children with sensory impairments.
- Identify resources for families of children with sensory impairments.
Sample Syllabus
PD Guide
PowerPoint:
Sensory Impairments: Hearing Impairment, Vision Impairment, and Deaf-Blindness
This presentation provides an in-depth overview of hearing, vision, and deaf-blindness in infants and young children, connecting anatomy and physiology to developmental, educational, and family outcomes. It reviews relevant provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), emphasizing early identification, inclusion, and the importance of Part C early intervention services. The presentation explains the types, causes, and assessments of hearing and vision impairments, including audiograms, otoacoustic emissions testing, and vision screening protocols, while introducing technologies such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and visual aids that enhance access and communication. Learners explore the developmental effects of sensory loss on language, cognition, and social-emotional growth, and engage in case-based discussions highlighting family-centered service coordination. The presentation concludes by reinforcing the importance of multisensory approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and family empowerment in promoting learning, independence, and inclusion for children with sensory impairments.
Case Study
Ava is a 12-month-old girl with moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, showing limited responsiveness to sound and delays in early vocalizations. Follow Ava and her family as they navigate screening, diagnosis, assessment, IFSP planning, and home-based early intervention services.
Learning Activities
Multimedia Illustrations
- Title with a description
- Link to video
- Suggested citation
- Length of the video
- EI/ECSE standard
- DEC Recommended Practice
Resources
Resources to supplement the syllabus:
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB)
American Federation for the Blind
American Speech Language Hearing Association, Hearing Screening and Testing Information
Boys Town National Research Hospital Parent-to-Parent Hearing Impairment
Central Institute for the Deaf
Council on Education of the Deaf
iCanConnect: The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management Utah State University
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind
National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
Questar III BOCES, Itinerant Services: Teacher of the Visually Impaired video