Box 223
Teachers College, Columbia University
525 W. 120th St.
New York, NY 10027
(866) NYSTAP-3
TTY:(212) 678-3879
FAX:(212) 678-3462
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is NYSTAP?
A: The New York State Technical Assistance Project (NYSTAP) is an agency committed to helping professionals and families of children (birth to age 21) who have both VISION and HEARING impairments (termed deafblindness or dual sensory impairments). These children may have mild to profound sensory losses with other disabilities. If you are wondering if a child/student is eligible---CONTACT US!
Q: How can NYSTAP help me and my school or agency?
A: We will provide specific technical assistance to help you meet your goals for your child/student. These topics include: communication systems, challenging behavior, social skills transition to adult life and many others. In collaboration with your school or agency we can help identify your needs for staff development in the area of deafblindness; plan training to meet the needs of your staff so that they can best serve students who are deafblind and coordinate services from other agencies in your community for which your child may be eligible.
Q: What is deafblindness? How can I get more information about deafblindness?
A: The term deafblind includes children and youth who have a combination of vision and hearing impairments, not necessarily complete deafness and complete blindness. These individuals display varying degrees of the dual sensory impairments, intellectual capacities, and physical abilities. NYSTAP has brochures, newsletters, a lending library of books and videotapes and access to specialists in many disciplines to help answer your questions about dual sensory impairments.
Q: How can I meet other parents of children who are deafblind and speak with someone who is deafblind?
A: NYSTAP's Family Specialist can provide a listening ear to parents. Our Consumer Specialist (please contact him through TDD or e-mail) is happy to share his experiences with families, professionals, and other consumers. NYSTAP works closely with the New York Parent Network (NYPN), a family support group serving families of children with vision and hearing loss and multiple disabilities.
Q: Where do I have to go to receive NYSTAP services?
A: The NYSTAP's staff and consultants will come to your home, schools, child's residence or place of employment. We are willing to travel anywhere within
Q: Can NYSTAP help me with my child's IEP or IFSP meeting?
Yes, please call us and let us know your concerns so that we can help your child's team plan the best possible program and services for your child. Whenever possible, call several months before the next meeting so that all team members can benefit from technical assistance.
Q: My child has to change to another program, how can you help me?
A: Transitions, from one school, residence, or job to another, can be very stressful. We are available to help you make decisions about the next steps in your child's life. For students facing the transition from school to adult life (ages 5-21) we have developed highly specialized statewide and regional transition teams who are available to assist your child's local team to provide a comprehensive transition experience.
Q: Who pays for your services?
A: Our agency is funded by the federal government to provide technical assistance and training to children who are registered with us as having a vision and hearing loss at no cost to the family or service provider.
Q: How does a child become eligible for your services?
A: Any family member or school personnel who are familiar with the child may complete an eligibility check list and a registry form. Parental consent is not required to complete the registry form as this information is treated as confidential with P.L. 94-142 and Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA).
For further information and questions, please contact NYSTAP.