Improving Practices for Learners with Deaf-Blindness: A Consultation and Coaching Model

The purpose of this article is to describe a step-by-step consultation and coaching model for supporting students with deaf-blindness. The uniqueness of the population will be described, as well as the needs of teachers who work with this population. Step 1 is designed to gather information about the student and the environments in which the student spends time. Reach for the Stars: Planning for the Future (Haynes & Grisham-Brown, 2013) maps are used to capture important information about the student. During Step 2, coaches meet with the entire education team to design intervention plans, which give detailed information on how to implement evidence-based practices with students who are deaf-blind. Finally, in Step 3, web-based coaching is provided via Zoom technology. During Step 3, coaches assess teachers implementation fidelity and evaluate students' progress toward their outcomes. Finally, tips for delivering high quality coaching to teams who support students who are deaf-blind are provided.