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Letter from the Editor
Dear Families, Educators, and School Administrators,
Welcome back to a brand-new school year! Whether you are greeting the fall with excitement, a little nervousness, or simply a deep breath — know that you are not alone. The Alaska Deafblind Project walks alongside you every step of the way, and we are ready for what this year will bring.
For the students we serve together — children and young adults who experience the world through the unique combination of hearing and vision loss — each school year is a remarkable journey of discovery. Every new skill learned, every connection made, every moment of communication unlocked is a testament to the dedication of the families and educators who show up for them day after day.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
- Nelson Mandela
These words remind us why the work we do together matters so deeply. For students who experience deafblindness, access to a quality, individualized education is not simply an opportunity — it is a lifeline. It opens doors to communication, to independence, to connection, and to a future shaped by their own possibilities. The dedication each of you bring to that mission, whether you are a parent advocating at an IEP table or a teacher learning a new tactile strategy, is nothing short of world changing.
Please join me in congratulating team member Abby Steer on completing her master’s degree in deafblind education from the University of Utah! This is no small achievement, deafblind education demands a rare depth of knowledge and skill, and Abby’s dedication to expanding her expertise reflects a real commitment to the students and families in Alaska. We're proud to have her on our team and excited for the impact this new credential will bring to her work. Congratulations, Abby well deserved! Abby and I will continue our work through the Alaska Deafblind Project serving students who experience deafblindness throughout the state.
This year, the Alaska Deafblind Project remains fully committed to supporting your students and your schools. We look forward to connecting with each of you in the months ahead. Please don't hesitate to reach out — no question is too small, and no community is too remote. Here's to a meaningful and milestone-filled year for every student we serve.
Angel Black, M.S.Ed., TSVI, COMS
Project Director, The Alaska Deafblind Project | Newsletter Editor
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