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ADULT LIFE 

Leaving school shouldn’t mean leaving support behind.

NFADB recognizes that one of the greatest needs for families of individuals who are DeafBlind is access to information, resources, and support as their loved one enters adulthood. The transition from the educational system into adult life can be both exciting and challenging. Families may find themselves navigating unfamiliar systems and searching for the services and supports their loved one needs to thrive.

There is no one-size-fits-all path to adulthood.

The supports an individual who is DeafBlind may need can vary greatly depending on the cause and impact of DeafBlindness, additional disabilities, individual strengths and preferences, stage of life, and most importantly, their own hopes, goals, and dreams.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the NFADB Adult Life Committee is to share information, resources, and activities that help individuals who are deafblind and their families dream, plan, strategize, and break down barriers, in order to attain a safe, happy, inclusive life for the family member who is deafblind.


ResourceS 

Transitioning to Adult Health Care

Visit our Healthcare Resources Page for helpful information!


    Support Service Providers 

    A Support Service Provider, commonly referred to as an SSP, is a specially trained individual who provides access to the community for people who are DeafBlind. This allows the person who is DeafBlind to make decisions for themselves based on the visual, environmental and social information provided by the SSP. 

    NFADB Position Paper: Support Service Provider/CoNavigator

    Support Service Provider White Paper

    Active Support Service Provider (SSP) and CoNavigator (CN) Programs (from Helen Keller National Center)


    Family Experiences

    What Touch Base Means to Families – An article about two families that started a day habilitation center in Texas

    Transition and Adult Life Success Stories – Stories about self-determination, access, and family engagement for transition-age students and adults who are deafblind


      Connect with Other Families

      Adult Life Facebook Group 

      NFADB’s Adult Life Facebook Group is a private group for families to share dreams, plans, and strategies for a safe, happy, inclusive life for their adult family members with deafblindness.

      Adult Life Support Group

      The Adult Life Support Group is part of the Family-to-Family Communities Project (F2FC). F2FC brings families of individuals who are deafblind together to connect, share information and resources, and offer support to one another. Registration is open now to begin September 2026! Click 


      NFADB Affiliates

      Many states have a group for families with an individual who is deafblind. These groups typically provide information and support to families within that state.  Several of these family groups are also NFADB Affiliates.

      Check with your state deafblind project to find out if your state has a parent group.

      Helen keller national center for deafblind youths and adults

      Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) is the only national program providing comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services to youth (16 and older), working-age adults and seniors (55 and better) with combined hearing and vision loss. HKNC works together with people who are DeafBlind to achieve their goals and aspirations.

      Here are a few of the supports that HKNC provides DeafBlind youth transitioning to adults:


      1. Programs and services linked here.

      2. Check out their summer programs for youth, trainings for persons over the age of 65, as well as specialized programing to fit your needs!

      3. Vocational training/support to develop your employment skills and/or learn about work accommodations for hearing or vision loss.

      4. Visit their active Youtube Channel, Facebook page or Twitter account

      5. Regional Representatives can be found here. 

      6. Sign up for HKNC’s quarterly newsletter CONNECT.

      7. Are you currently in the HKNC National Registry? This helps better understand how to serve the national DeafBlind community. Self-enroll here.


      NFADB is committed to helping families navigate this journey. Whether your loved one is preparing for the transition from school,

      exploring employment or postsecondary education, seeking accessible housing, or building a fulfilling life in the community,

      you do not have to navigate adulthood alone!


      .


      CONTACT US
      info@nfadb.org


      Mailing address:
      45 Main St., Ste 240 PMB 824519
      Brooklyn, NY 11201-1098


       

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