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 - Checklist Word Fillable - Checklist Spanish Fillable
Information Update Bulletin 03.03, Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Implementation of Deaf/Hard of Hearing Disability Eligibility Criteria
Programming 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.
Most students attend the school closest to their home with supports from staff with knowledge in working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing, with other support staff in the school, and of course, the general education staff. In larger districts, there may be multiple staff resources within the school and/or district. For students in our rural communities, specialized service supports by staff knowledgeable in working with deaf or hard of hearing children may be provided in an itinerant model; meaning staff who travel to multiple districts providing services for the students.
Other program supports provided by DPI include:
- Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD) in Delavan provides educational services for students ages 3-21 who are deaf or hard of hearing. 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
- The Outreach program provides a broad array of services, 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 and Guide-By-Your-Side, and also provides professional development opportunities and the Professional and Family Conference. For more information on the Outreach program, go to: www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov or an Overview of Outreach Services.
Training
The Outreach program supports professional development throughout the year for all those working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing and deafblind. See the calendar of events for upcoming dates.
Educational Interpreter Resources and Information
This page provides information on the DPI licensing requirements, schedules of the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA), tools developed to support effective practices, and more.
Educational Audiology Resources & Information
This page provides information on resources and topics relevant to the practice of school audiology in Wisconsin.
Resources and Materials Supporting Services
On this web page are a variety of documents and tools that may be useful.
State Superintendent's Advisory Council on the Education of Pupils Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing