Free services for deaf and blind children to continue after Wisconsin DPI receives grant

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) announced Wednesday that it has secured funding for the continued use of critical state services for children and young adults that are deaf and blind

According to a news release, the Wisconsin DPI received a subgrant from the National Center of Deafblindness that will sustain the Wisconsin Deafblind Technical Assistance Project (WDBTAP) – an initiative that offers free educational services to children that are deafblind.

The renewed funding will allow the WDBTAP to continue offering services, such as assistive technology tools, family support and consultation, specialized coaching and training for educators, for the next year.

“I am deeply grateful to the families, educators, and advocates who raised their voices and shared their powerful stories,” State Superintendent Dr. Underly said in a statement. “Because of their courage and persistence, the importance of the WDBTAP came into focus — and helped protect an essential lifeline for children and families across Wisconsin.”

The U.S. Department of Education notified the Wisconsin DPI in September that it was ending the federal grant that supported the WDBTAP. The project was in the middle of a five-year grant cycle that totaled more than $550,000 before the department was informed that it would no longer receive federal funding.

“Families should never be put in a position where they’re left wondering if essential services will simply vanish,” Dr. Underly said. “While this is a win for Wisconsin’s deafblind learners and their families, it does not erase the reality that many were met with uncertainty and chaos just as the school year began. We will continue to fight for the needs of all Wisconsin kids and secure the stable and well-resourced schools they deserve.”

For additional information, visit the state DPI website.