Description of the video
Deafblind International Network of the Americas was established in 2018 when the deafblind community came together in Hyannis, Massachusetts for the first DBI network of the Americas conference. We heard so clearly how important it is for us to come together whenever we can, while also working to stay connected so that we can continue to support and learn from one another. This has become the mission of our network. We want to be a place where we can share our successes, challenges, and practices towards creating a barrier-free life to people with deafblindness. We are honored that Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired has enthusiastically become one of the lead organizations in our network. We are excited by the possibilities of this new partnership and to be involved in the 2021 TX Symposium on Deafblind Education as a DbI Network of the Americas activity. Our network is managed by a small leadership group who plan activities that will provide our members across the United States, Latin America, and Canada with an opportunity to learn from one another in a meaningful way. In preparation for this conference and to think about the future our network has convened cross-regional meetings of family members and professionals who educate and care for learners who are deafblind. These opportunities have shown us the common issues we are all concerned about. It also highlights the common needs and richness of the experiences that we all have to share. As we look to the future, we hope you will join us as a participating member of Deafblind International and DBI Network of the Americas.