The Arkansas Department of Education, Special Education Project for Children with Deafblindness, in collaboration with the Arkansas School for the Blind and the state school nurse consultants, will offer training on how to test students with hearing impairments for Usher Syndrome. The training will be offered May 8, 2003 through a distance learning video conference.
Usher Syndrome is a genetic disorder that results in the loss of vision and hearing. Early identification of Usher Syndrome is critical to a student’s success in school. It is estimated that three to six percent of all deaf children, and possibly an equal number of hard of hearing children, have Usher Syndrome. Some of these students are not aware that they have this condition. Typical vision exams performed by school nurses often do not test for the indicators that are associated with Usher Syndrome. This conference will provide training and knowledge in this area for school nurses and teachers.
The training will cover the following topics:
. What is Usher Syndrome?
. Different Types of Usher Syndrome
. Why Screening is Important
. Behavioral Symptoms Teachers May See that Suggest Usher Syndrome
. How to Screen for Usher Syndrome
. How to Modify Instruction for Students who have Usher Syndrome
The presenters for the training are Teresa Mays, Low Vision Clinic Director, Arkansas School for the Blind and Pamela Criss, Education Consultant, Arkansas Department of Education.
To register, complete the attached registration form and return as indicated or contact Pamela Criss at 501-682-4222 for further information.