Usher syndrome can be described as a rare, inherited condition that impacts three major senses in the body: vision, hearing and balance. To learn more visit the Usher Syndrome Coalition website and the National Center on Blindness website for a child or student recently identified.

Family Communication and Languages

“What works for your child is what makes the choice right.” Learn about Hands and Voices, a parent-driven non-profit organization. WA Hands and Voices website: https://wahandsandvoices.org/

Individualized Education Planning

Each student has unique strengths and needs and should be evaluated by a team of qualified professionals in the student’s preferred language. We hope the videos on this site raise good questions and help with next steps in your family’s journey.

Contact the DeafBlind Project in your state:

https://www.nationaldb.org/state-deaf-blind-projects/

Resources:

Interviews with Marissa

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod

  • What kind of support does Marissa have in the classroom?

  • What does Usher Syndrome mean to Marissa?

  • How does she communicate?

Marissa

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod

  • What does the interpreter do for Marissa?

  • How does her interpreter communicate with Marissa?

  • How would Marissa benefit from an intervener?

Interpreter or Intervener

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod

  • Why might braille make it easier to read or do math?

  • Why should Marissa practice braille even though she still has some vision?

  • Why is pace so important in acquiring new skills?

Learning Braille and Tools for Vision

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod

  • How does using a cane help other people too?

  • What are some cane techniques she uses with her teacher?

  • Why should Marissa learn to use a cane even though she still has some vision?

Using a Cane at School

Interviews with Audrey

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod

  • What does Audrey do for a living?

  • How might two people with Usher Syndrome differ? How are they similar?

Audrey

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod

  • Why do you think Audrey moves slowly or more cautiously?

  • Why does she move slower in certain environments?

More Cautious

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod

  • Why is lighting so important to Audrey?

  • What obstacles did she have to overcome at her previous employer?

  • Notice how important it is for employers to accommodate employees if they want to retain them.

Why Lighting Matters

Thinking Pod

Thinking Pod

  • What audio system did Audrey use? How did it help in the classroom?

  • What were some of the barriers to using the FM system to connect with peers and classroom content?

Hearing Issues