JUNE 2024

Welcome to the second NC DeafBlind Newsletter for families of 2024. We invite you to join our mailing list and reach out if you would like more information, community resources or support advocating for your child! Please feel free to share this information with friends and families! If you are new to us, click on the link below to sign up for the mailing list.

Meet Our Team

DeafBlind Project Lead,

Brittany Cutshaw

bcutshaw@ecacmail.org

Brittany Cutshaw joined ECAC in February of 2022 as a Parent Educator, and she recently joined the North Carolina DeafBlind Project as ECAC’s Project Lead. She has a background in healthcare administration. She is the mom to 3 boys, the youngest of whom is medically complex, with vision and hearing impairment. When she is not working, she will likely be outdoors hiking or otherwise enjoying the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Learn more about Brittany

Nancy Giurato, Family Engagement Coordinator

ngiurato@ecacmail.org

Learn more about Nancy

Nancy has a background in healthcare and research, focused on the early detection of congenital diseases and hearing impairments in newborns and infants. She, herself is a medical mama to a 5-year-old daughter with intensive medical complexities and Deafblindness, and an 8-year-old son with autism and central auditory processing disorder. In addition to her role on the NC DeafBlind Project, Nancy also serves as a Bilingual Parent Educator with ECAC providing individualized assistance to families with special healthcare and educational needs. Recognizing the importance of self-care, Nancy enjoys trips to the beach, and walking the family dog whenever possible.

What is DeafBlindness?

It may not be what you think!

DeafBlindness is the combination of functional, medical, or progressive vision and hearing loss which may interfere with a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others, access information, and/or move about safely and efficiently in familiar and unfamiliar settings.

Overview of DeafBlindness

Check out our introduction video!

DeafBlind Census

North Carolina Census

Learn more about the NC DeafBlind Census
Learn more about The National Child Count of Children and Youth who are Deafblind
You do not have to be on the census to receive support from ECAC, but it helps us keep track of contact information and where we can focus our efforts to provide more support.
Wondering how to register? Reach out to Nancy or Brittany for registration and more information!

National Registry Helen Keller Services

We are seeking your support to complete this national registry for ages 14 and up. This is different than the National Childcount Census. The Helen Keller National Registry is used to collect data on the number of persons who are DeafBlind or have combined hearing and vision loss in each state across the country. The census information supports the development of programs, research, and grants.
Reach out to our local Regional Services Coordinator in the Southeast for more information and prepare for your child's transition into adult services. Southeast B – Helen Keller Services.

In recognition of the achievements of people who are DeafBlind, the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths & Adults (HKNC) celebrates the last week in June as “DeafBlind Awareness Week.”

Learn More

Atte nd ECAC's Tool Time Tuesday on Jun e 25th

highlighting DeafBlind Awareness Week

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Resources Spotlight

The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation is pleased to provide you with webinars on a variety of topics which affect individuals with CHARGE and their families.

Learn more and view any upcoming webinars.

DeafBlind Intervener

Spotlight - Jacob in CHARGE

Meet Jacob

Jacob is 29. He has CHARGE syndrome. He is DeafBlind and multi-handicapped, also known as DB+! Due to his diagnosis, when he was young he underwent over 50 surgical procedures. He has severe bilateral Coloboma, and a couple years ago he had a fully detached retina in what used to be his good eye. Now all his remaining vision is in his former “bad eye”. That means he has blind spots and he is very nearsighted.

Upcoming Events

Programs and Events

Summer Enrichment Camp

Camp Dogwood

New Hanover County Public Library Interactive DeafBlind Awareness event! This program will feature storytelling, simulation experiences, information on services available in NC, and a Q&A session with Nicole Allerman, NC Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. For ages six and up, no registration required.

Location: Main Library, 201 Chestnut Street, Wilmington Friday, June 28th, 2:00-4:00pm

Indo Jax Surf Charities is committed to empowering disadvantaged, medically fragile and special needs children by exposing them to the ocean environment and teaching them to surf. They will host a surf camp for the visually impaired in Wrightsville Beach Tuesday, July 9 and Wednesday, July 10 from 5pm to 7pm at Beach Access #10.

Learn More

Project Partners

Click on the icons below for contact information:

The Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing

This division of the Department of Health and Human Services provides services through its seven North Carolina regional centers. These services are open to Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind individuals.Family members, professionals, agencies and individuals seeking information or assistance also have access to these services. There is no charge to families. DeafBlind Program Specialist Coverage Areas

Division of Services for the Blind's (DSB) Vocational Rehabilitation and Transition Services

Did you know once a student turns age 14, they can be referred by anyone, including their parents, to apply for DSB's vocational rehabilitation and services?

List of DSB Office Locations Statewide

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Services (EHDI)

Use this website to learn more about newborn hearing screening, diagnosis of hearing loss, early intervention services, family support opportunities, funding, and additional resources available to help your child and family. Learn more

Learn More

1-800-962-6817