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VIDBE-Q Volume 63 Issue 2
purpose of this study was to determine the training needs of teachers when working with
students who are deafblind.
Methodology
Participants
Participants in this study were teachers of the blind/visually impaired, teachers of
the deaf/hard of hearing, and special education teachers who work with students who are
deafblind. Participants were recruited through the major professional organizations in the
fields of visual impairments and deafness. There were a total of 254 respondents. Of
these, 205 completed the entire survey. Respondents represented 28 states.
Data collection
The researchers developed an electronic survey that contained three sections.
Section one consisted of an explanation of the purpose of the survey and demographic
information. The second section contained 14 questions that identified educational
practices and educational needs when teaching students who are deafblind. Part three of
the survey included two open-ended questions, designed to encourage participants to
report in their own words needed and available information and services to serve students
with deafblindness.
Data Analysis
Data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Participant demographic
information and participants' perceptions and knowledge regarding the education of
students who are deafblind were analyzed using descriptive statistics, means, standard
deviations, and percentages using the SPSS software program. Open-ended questions
were analyzed to determine systematic categories through coding. Categories drawn
