From July 30-August 1, 1998, eighty parents and family members from across the country attended a national workshop held in St. Louis, Missouri sponsored by the National Technical Assistance Consortium for Children and Young Adults who are Deaf-Blind and the National Family Association for Deaf-Blind. The workshop, entitled "Going for the Best: Building Excellence and Strength Together," was held in order to generate a list of the most important practices to parents of deaf-blind children of all ethnic backgrounds and ranging in age from infant to young adulthood, in the areas of communication, behavioral issues, and instructional strategies in the education. This brief booklet lists the most important practices indicated by the parents who attended this workshop. The booklet lists 10 strategies each for the areas of communication, positive behavior management, and instruction and program development. Also listed are five strategies for family and social support. Examples of the included strategies are: (1) Each individual who is deaf-blind should be provided a communication facilitator; (2) training should be provided to ensure that a variety of people are able to communicate with the child; (3) all deaf-blind youth and young adults need to be trained in self-advocacy and leadership; (4) service providers and others should know appropriate, current, and positive behavior strategies and supports; (5) a range of housing, supported living, supported and independent work, community, recreation and social options should be available; (6) continued and non-interrupted services needed throughout the life of the deaf-blind individual are needed; and (7) networking opportunities should be provided for families. (DB)