Services for Children & Youth with Dual Sensory Impairments

Dual Sensory Impairment means a person has both vision and hearing loss. People with combined vision and hearing loss are considered deafblind. 

Rhode Island Services to Children and Youth with Dual Sensory Impairments (also called the DSI Project) is a federal program run by the Sherlock Center. The DSI Project helps families and school staff who work with children and young adults (birth to age 22) who are deafblind.

The DSI Project:

• Works with doctors and early childhood programs to find children with both hearing and vision loss as early as possible.
• Teaches families and professionals how to support children who are deafblind.
• Helps families and youth learn how to speak up for themselves.
• Connects families and schools with services that help children be more independent and ready for life changes.
• Keeps track of the number of children in Rhode Island who are deafblind for a national count.
   

Our Services

The DSI Project gives support to children with both vision and hearing loss. We also help families and school teams through early intervention and school programs.

Family Support

We help families understand the strengths of their deafblind child. We also help them get the right services and plan for changes like starting school or moving to a new class. We stay with families through each step of their child’s education and help them make good choices for the future.

Child Support

Children with both hearing and vision loss often need new ways to learn and communicate. We work with the child and the team to find what works best. This might include special communication systems, tools to help with movement, or changes to lessons and materials. We also help teachers find better ways to assess how the child is learning and growing.

Professional Support

The DSI Project trains teachers and other school staff through classroom visits, workshops and college courses at Rhode Island College. We focus on:

• Learning about the needs of children with hearing and vision loss.
• Helping students join regular classrooms successfully.

• Sharing resources that support families and teachers in communication, learning and play.

   

How can I get help? 

1. Complete the fillable referral and release form (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
2. Send to Stefanie Davit at sdavit@ric.edu or fax to 401-456-8150.
3. If you need help, contact Stefanie Davit at sdavit@ric.edu or 401-456-8752.