DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING SUPPORT

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:


The classroom program for the deaf and hard of hearing provides support for students ages 5-21 whose severity of hearing loss necessitates the need for placement in a nonsimultaneous, total communication setting. An auditory-verbal elementary transition class is available for students who need additional support prior to full inclusion. The Individualized Educational Program addresses all aspects of adjustment (social, emotional and academic) for these students whose hearing levels range from severe to profound in degree.

    Maximum Full Time Class Size:     Appropriate Chapter 1 Guidelines for fall time or supplemental caseloads
    Instructional Assistants:                 Provided as needed

Students are instructed in the following areas: Speech, language, auditory, social, emotional, or academic areas may be addressed as necessary in relation to the hearing loss. There is particular emphasis on the significance of a severe hearing loss in today’s society, the implications of medical advances for deaf and hard of hearing persons, and the care of hearing aids and electronic assistive devices in order to function more effectively.

The Primary Goal is to: Assist each student in compensating for his/her hearing loss in order to maximize academic achievement and to be successful in a hearing world.

Related Services are included in the basic program.

PROGRAM FEATURES:
• Impedance Testing
• Educational Hearing Evaluation/Hearing Aid Check/Distribution
• Loaner Hearing Aid Bank
• Parental Counseling
• In-Service for Teachers and Parents/Staff Development and Training
• Parent/Teachers Pamphlet
• TDD - Telephone Service for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Closed Captioners/C-Print
• Program Supervision and Management
• Functional School/Community Experiences/Inclusion
• Individualized Instructional Computer Applications
• Behavioral Management Systems
• FM/BTE amplification systems
• Transitional/Vocational Programming at a Secondary Level
• Interpreters
• Total communication which includes: auditory training, speech reading, speech, and signing
• Sound Field Systems
• Cochlear implant follow-up and management


DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING ITINERANT SUPPORT SERVICES



PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The itinerant program for the deaf and hard of hearing provides support for students ages 3-21 who can be successful in regular education settings with assistance. The degree of hearing loss may range from mild to profound. The Individualized Educational Program addresses all aspects of adjustment (speech, language,audition, social, emotional, academic) related to the hearing loss.

    Maximum Class Size:     Follows Chapter 14 revision of Guidelines

    Instructional Assistants:     None

Students are provided support services in the following areas: Any or all of speech, language, auditory, social, emotional, or academic areas may be addressed as necessary in relation to the hearing loss.

The Primary Goal is to: Assist each student in compensating for his/her hearing loss in order to adjust to a hearing society and to maximize academic achievement.

Related Services are included in the basic program.

PROGRAM FEATURES:

• Impedance Testing
• Educational Hearing Evaluation/Hearing Aid Check
• Loaner Hearing Aid Bank
• Parental Counseling
• In-Service for Teachers and Parents
• Distribution of Medical Reports (audiological and educational)
• Parent/Teachers Pamphlet
• Program Supervision and Management
• Functional School/Community Experiences
• Individualized Instructional Computer Applications
• Behavioral Management Systems
• FM/BTE amplification systems
• TDD
• Transitional/Vocational Programming at a Secondary Level
• Staff Development/Training
• Auditory-Verbal Services
• Cochlear Implant Follow-up and Management
• C-Print Captioning Services available


DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING

INTERPRETER SERVICES



PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Interpreter program provides sign language interpretation of information presented in general education classes for deaf and hard of hearing students who need assistance. Interpreter services may range from one class to full-time depending on the student’s inclusion in general education classes. Interpreter service can also be provided for district use when deaf or hard of hearing parents participate in evaluation/reevaluation process, IEP, and teacher conferences and require an interpreter.

Interpreters are provided in the following areas: Any general education classes or special programs where a deaf or hard of hearing student requires sign language interpretation.

The Primary Goal is to: Maximize student participation in general education.

PROGRAM FEATURES:

• Part-time or Full-time Interpreter Service Available
• Availability in Elementary, Secondary and Vocational Settings


DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CAPTIONING SERVICES


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Captioning Program provides C-Print which is a speech-to-text system developed at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). C-Print provides printed text of spoken English displayed in real time and is an effective means of acquiring information for some students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Captioning services may range from one class to full-time depending on the student’s inclusion in general education classes. Captioning services can also be provided for district use when deaf or hard-of-hearing parents participate in MDE, IEP, and teacher conferences and require a captioning.

Captionists are provided in the following areas: Any general education classes or special programs where deaf or hard of hearing students require captioning.

The Primary Goal is to: maximize student participation in general education.

PROGRAM FEATURES

  • Part-time or Full-time Captioning Service Available
  • Availability in Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Settings



DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING

COCHLEAR IMPLANT SERVICES



In order to more effectively support children with cochlear implants the Intermediate Unit provides the following services:

• Individualized Auditory Training Programs which can include Auditory-Verbal Therapy

• Individualized Speech/Language Services

• Inservice Training Regarding Cochlear Implants to School Personnel; i.e., Nurses, Teachers, Principals, etc.

• Parent and Family Training

• Consultation and Coordination of Services with School Personnel and Private Agencies