Analysis of Prevalence Variations of Students With Deafblindness Across the United States

Abstract

There is wide variability in the special education eligibility criteria for deafblindness across the United States. This study was a novel examination of variations in state factors, including eligibility criteria for deafblindness, to identify potential relationships between state factors and the number of students who are deafblind during the 2018–2019 school year. No state factors correlated to the OSEP Child Count population data. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed factors primarily relating to sensory disability professionals, which correlated to the National Center on Deaf-Blindness population data. Implications for students, personnel, and professional development offerings are discussed.