Providing Support Services for a Deaf-Blind Student in a Mainstream University Environment

Today, deaf-blind individuals can and do pursue higher education. A deaf-blind student presents unique challenges for the traditional support facility, even when they may have a history of service to deaf and/or blind students. Additional considerations are presented for an academic institution when coordinating services, using technologies, and addressing special needs for a deaf-blind student. By examining the experience of New York University with a deaf-blind student, related issues can be explored; coordination of dual services, early planning, and cross-departmental cooperation are necessary to succeed in providing the required support and allowing the student to fulfil educational requirements and goals. By adopting a proactive stance toward designing and providing services, and following a philosophy of equal accesses within and beyond statutory requirements, qualified staff can accomplish the task to fruition