DHH

DIS Services

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist serves qualifying Deaf or Hard of Hearing students whose “least restrictive environment” is a mainstream placement within Fresno Unified School District.  Children go to regular classes and are supported as needed by a specially trained teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing who also has experience working in regular educational settings.  Itinerant services are provided for students from Kindergarten-12th grade.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist is responsible for:

• Referrals and assessments to determine needs of the individual student.
• Attends and/or facilitates Individualized Education Program team meetings and helps to design individual students’ programs to meet his/her specific needs.
• Assists and supports classroom teachers, administrators and other site personnel with curriculum/activities  modifications and/or implementation and accessibility needs for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
• Advocates for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing students by keeping contact with community agencies, medical personnel, and other Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
• Consults with parents and school site personnel regarding the needs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing student.
• Teaches the Deaf or Hard of Hearing mainstreamed student skills to improve receptive and expressive language skills so they may successfully function in the classroom.  Monitors assistive devices and equipment used by the Deaf or Hard of Hearing student in the classroom.
• Promotes parent education by demonstrating hearing aid maintenance and care, explaining audiological information, providing and suggesting materials for use with their Deaf or Hard of Hearing child, providing information regarding community services and resources, planning opportunities for further education  (i.e., sign language classes), and informing parents about assistive devices available for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
• Provides in-services pertaining to hearing loss or care, maintenance of hearing aids, and communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.