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Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016
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evidence-based practices recommended by the national center. The nine states
participating in a pilot of this process identified 104 of the 344 newly identified
infants and toddlers in 2012. Collectively, their birth through two child count has
increased from 136 in 2011 to 179 in 2013.
Missouri and Tennessee are two states in which the self-assessment indicated
regions within the state where no infants or toddlers were being identified. By
narrowing their focus and implementing selected evidence-based practices both
states have experienced a steady increase in their birth through two counts. Missouri
has seen an increase from 13 to 29 in the past three years and Tennessee's count has
increased from 19 to 37.
As this work continues, more state deaf-blind projects are discovering that by
using data-based decision making to narrow their focus and identify the early
intervention system with the highest potential and feasibility for impact their limited
resources will be more effective. Through the implementation of recommended
evidence-based practices related to building relationships, developing carefully
targeted materials, being clear about the benefits of referral and consistently
following-up with referral resources, state deafblind projects are building their
capacity to increase the numbers of infants and toddlers with combined vision and
hearing loss who are receiving appropriate early intervention services.
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