I have been involved in the field of deafblindness for the past 50 years, as a teacher, as a researcher and, above all, as an advocate for the rights of people with deafblindness to live full, meaningful lives.
This web site describes my professional career. While organizing the information, I was constantly reminded that I am part of a worldwide movement of people who work to give deafblind individuals better opportunities and choices.
Hopefully, this sense of community is well reflected on my web site.
The web site’s Forum invites everyone to raise all sorts of questions about deafblindness. My expert team of colleagues will post its responses, so visitors to the web site can benefit from the team’s knowledge.
I also look forward to input from web site visitors, who might share their own experiences, or introduce discussions about new scientific findings and their relevance to our population.
Recently we started a Support Group for Parents and Educators.
It is a group meant for and from Parents, from all over the world. Of course membership is free.
One Parent (Stephanie) took the initiative to create this group. Also dr. Jan van Dijk is member of the Parent Support Group ans he will give personal advice.
About the goals writes Stephanie:
"The idea of this group is to create a match between a parent seeking personalized support from another parent who has experienced the same challenges.
We are parents willing to listen, provide emotional support and information through shared, similar experiences.
Together, we can decrease stress on the family, and increase knowledge".
It's possible to share ideas, tips, photos and videos.
If you have a certain idea, you can start a personal discussion between the group members.
Or just write a nice story about your son or daughter.
You need to be registered to have Group access.
Order Supporting CD's
Assessing and educating people with multiple sensory impairments, including deafblindness, requires a great deal of knowledge. At the end of the day, though, there is one big practical question: how do I do it?
I have tried to answer this question by producing CDs, DVDs and a guidebook/manual with double DVDs, that clearly show how I assess a deafblind child, and how I train people to become experts at helping children with challenging behaviours. You will also find many video examples on this website.
For detailed descriptions visit the Webshop.
 |
Assessment course
It has been scientifically proven that “The Van Dijk Approach to Assessment” brings out the best in a child. It was initially considered a “van Dijk thing” that only I could conduct, based on my experience, knowledge and personality. The research of Nelson, Janssen, Oster & Jayaraman (2010) has convincingly shown, however, that after a rather limited period of training, practitioners are able to implement the assessment with fidelity.
Dr. Nelson and I offer a 2-day course on “Assessment”. Past participants have been extremely satisfied about what they’ve learned.
If your organization is interested in hosting a course like this, please go to Jan as Consultant and read the comments of earlier participants of this course.
