Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Eligibility

The current eligibility criteria for hearing impairment under state law is found at PI 11.36 (4), Wis. Admin. Code. If a student is found to have an impairment, the IEP team must also determine the need for special education services (PI 11.35).

HI Criteria Evaluation Guide - Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Information Update Bulletin 03.03, Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Implementation of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Disability Eligibility Criteria

Programming

Services for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

In Wisconsin public schools, there are over 2,200 students indentified as deaf or hard of hearing. These students participate in educational programs locally, regionally, and at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf.

Students participate in a wide range of educational programs. Waukesha School District supports a Model Auditory-Oral program. Milwaukee Sign Language School supports a school-wide program where all students learn ASL, supporting an inclusive language environment for students who use sign to communicate. Throughout the state, students participate in the general education classroom and in resource rooms designed specifically to meet the educational needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Specialized services are provided by teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing within the classroom and as itinerant support services. Additional services are provided by educational audiologists, educational interpreters, and speech and language pathologists, among others.

Carol Schweitzer is the program consultant with focus on the educational needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing and the staff who support these students and their families. Her role is to support activities of the state regarding policy and programs for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This includes providing information on IDEA and state statute, resources, best practices, and working on initiatives reflecting statewide needs. The program consultant collaborates with the leadership on the Wisconsin Educational Services Program; WSD and Outreach as well as with those in other agencies and organizations supporting the education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. You can contact her at carol.schweitzer@dpi.wi.gov or by calling 608-266-7097.

Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WESP-DHH)

In April 2002, the legislature established the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WESP-DHH). This arm of DPI functions as a more comprehensive service to students, districts and families. The WESP-DHH includes two areas of educational support to students, staff and families statewide. These services include an educational program at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan and an Outreach Program that provides support to students, staff and parents throughout the state.

An Evaluation: WI Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,LAB Audit Report 06-03 (3/6/06)

• Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD)
  
  The Wisconsin School for the Deaf in Delavan is a school providing educational services for students ages 3-21 who are deaf or hard of hearing are provided. The Mission statement for WSD is as follows:
  
  In recognition of the diverse needs of Wisconsin's deaf and hard of hearing children, the Wisconsin School for the Deaf is dedicated to educational excellence in a unique ASL/English bilingual-bicultural environment by preparing students to achieve their maximum potential and become successful citizens of the future.
  For more information on WSD go to: www.wsd.k12.wi.us
  
  
• Outreach Program
  
  The Outreach program provides information, support, and training to school districts and educational programs in serving deaf, and hard of hearing and deafblind children and their families. Services and support are determined based on the child's needs. In addition, the Outreach Program offers unique programs for families including Deaf Mentor Program, Guide-By-Your-Side, and Captioned Media Program. The Mission statement for the Outreach Program is as follows:
  The Outreach Program supports children who are deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind by providing a broad array of services to families and educational programs. Services are determined based on the needs of the child.
  For more information on the Outreach program, go to: www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov

Training

Training/Inservice Opportunities/Events

Resources

Guidelines for Discussion on Consideration of Special Factors When a Student is Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Functional Performance for Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Students who are deaf or hard of hearing have functional education needs unique to their disability. The Eligibility Criteria Guide includes a section on Expanded Core Curriculum for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (pages 25-27). This list includes a variety of communication, self-awareness and self-advocacy skills that can become a part of the students’ functional skill development on the IEP as needed. This page can be accessed at: HI Criteria Evaluation Guide, pages 25-27.

WKCE Results for Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

National Guidelines on Educational Services for Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) has updated their publication on Meeting the Needs of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This 92-page document is available for purchase for $25.00. It provides guidelines to districts on Foundations for Educating Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Administration and Support Structures, Assessment, Services and Placement Options, Personnel and a Glossary. To order this book, go to www.nasdse.org.

Survey of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Educational Interpreter Resources and Information

Educational Audiology Resources

Stacie Heckendorf, MS, CCC-A/SLP, is the WESP-D/HH Educational Audiology Consultant. Her role is to provide leadership and administrative assistance regarding coordination of the educational audiologists throughout WI; consultation to LEAs regarding the development, evaluation and improvement of educational audiology services; facilitate trans-disciplinary collaboration; and assist families regarding individual services.

Information Resources

Memo: English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Services for Children of Parents Who Are Deaf and Use American Sign Language (ASL), (5/01)

Information Update Bulletin 03.03, Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Implementation of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Disability Eligibility Criteria

Information Update Bulletin 00.04, Q.#8, LRE

Information Update Bulletin 99.04, The Role of Educational Interpreters

Information Update Bulletin 92.13, USDE Policy Guidance on Provision of Appropriate Services to Children who are Deaf

Other

State Superintendent's Advisory Committee on the Education of Pupils Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Meetings:

For questions about this information, contact Carol M. Schweitzer (608) 266-7097

Last updated on 2/22/2008 1:25:09 PM