The Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas

DBMAT links parents from across the state through there Parent Connection Project. SIB STREET - The Sibling Connection gives brothers and sisters of individuals who are sensory impaired with other disabilities the opportunity to chat with each other about their feelings and concerns to increase their understanding of themselves and of their family member. DBMAT also has three ongoing focus groups which are designed by the age of the family member who is deafblind. These focus groups are Education (0-12 years of age), Transition (13-22 years of age), and Adult Services (23 and older).

MISSION — VISION — PRINCIPLES

Mission — The mission of DBMAT is to promote and improve the quality of life for all Texans who are deaf-blind multihandicapped. We support the establishment of educational, rehabilitative, vocational and independent living opportunities of these individuals for all ages.

Vision — DBMAT recognizes that people who are deaf-blind multihandicapped will benefit from the provision of Quality Intervener Services lifelong. When intervener services are provided from the age of diagnosis, the person who is deaf-blind multihandicapped is most likely to develop to their full potential with an abundance of "Moments of Joy", (as defined by Dr. Jan van Dijk). As the person who is deaf-blind grows, his/her needs will change, but quality intervener services will always be required.

The DBMAT Board recognizes their primary goal is to advocate for quality Intervention to be available to all deaf-blind individuals who could benefit from it, until it is it is a viable option legally allowable to all who want to request it. The commitment to this goal began during their Board meeting, held on June 9, 2006 and continues to be a primary focus today. In addition to the primary goal, we advocate for all deaf-blind individuals to have access to the services applicable for their individual needs.

It is DBMAT's vision to provide to individuals who are deaf-blind multihandicapped, as well as their families, access to other members, training opportunities, social events, as well as resources for which we maintain or have the ability to direct our members to.

Principles — We promote family education and understanding of our deaf-blind multihandicapped family member's abilities and disabilities. We offer resource information and referrals to families, professionals, state agencies, and provider agencies serving people who are deaf-blind multihandicapped of all ages.

We help facilitate parent-to-parent linkage in geographical areas, statewide, and nationwide. We encourage sibling-to-sibling networking. We promote public awareness of the special needs surrounding these uniquely challenging conditions. We pursue and appreciate contributions that help us in our endeavors to further the mission of the organization.

DBMAT FACT SHEET

HISTORY: In 1973, parents of children who are deaf-blind multihandicapped and the professionals who work with them began gathering together on an annual basis for training, education and the sharing of common concerns and challenges. These participants, desiring to continue this type of exchange in a more permanent fashion, formed our statewide group and adopted formal By-Laws in 1975. DBMAT was chartered by the state of Texas as a non-profit organization in July 1976.

MEMBERSHIP: We offer two categories of voting membership: Regular Members are persons who are deaf-blind, their parents/guardians/extended family members, and adult siblings. Associate Members are persons who work with the sensory impaired by reason of special training or education, or have an interest in this field.

LEADERSHIP: The membership officially meets during our statewide annual meeting to discuss progress, priorities, organizational direction and to elect officers and other Board Members according to our By-Laws. The DBMAT Board conducts the ongoing business of the association throughout the year, keeping apprised of current trends and the wishes of the general membership. The picture above of our Board was taken at the October 2009 annual meeting. 

INTERNAL COMMITTEES: Conference Planning, Legislative, Fund-Raising, Membership, Newsletter, Intervener Scholarship, Education/Knowledge sharing, and Internet-Publications are the standing committees of DBMAT. DBMAT also utilizes special committees as needed.

PUBLICATIONS: Our “IN TOUCH” newsletter is disseminated tri-annually to families, professionals, schools, state agencies, legislators & contributors to keep them in touch with the activities of the association and with current information/trends affecting persons with sensory disabilities. Our brochure is distributed to increase membership, gain support and to advertise our benefits. DBMAT has a Website available on the Internet at http://www.DBMAT-tx.org. Our email address is: president@dbmat-tx.org

EXTERNAL ADVISORY ACTIVITIES: Members of DBMAT participate in many other organizations and agencies at the decision making levels throughout the state. Some of these are: Educational Agencies, Advocacy Groups, Consumer Advisory Committees to the Provider Agencies of Individuals who are Deaf-Blind, Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities Program, Texas Alliance for Persons with Visual Impairments (TAPVI), Interagency Task Force for Future Services to Deaf-Blind, and the National Family Association for Deaf-Blind.

PROJECTS: We are currently working to improve access and quality of intervener services. Details of this endeavor are outlined in the Intervener page of this website. The Positive Connections Project is designed to link parents to other parents, professionals to other professionals and parents to professionals. DBMAT holds an Annual Family Conference to bring families together as well as professionals.