Teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing
Last updated
A teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing is a certified specialist who teaches and supports students with hearing loss.
Topic: Vision and hearing
In plain terms
These teachers, sometimes called TODs or DHH teachers, support language development, listening skills, self-advocacy and access to classroom instruction. They may teach directly, co-teach, or consult with general educators, and they often monitor hearing technology. Some work in ASL-English bilingual programs; others in listening and spoken language programs.
How it shows up in an IEP
IDEA requires the team to consider the communication needs of a deaf or hard of hearing student, including opportunities for direct communication with peers and staff in the student's language and mode. The teacher of the deaf often leads that discussion and writes related goals.
Example
A teacher of the deaf works with a third grader on self-advocacy, such as asking for repetition and checking the remote microphone, and trains the class teacher on its use.
The rule
Federal reference: 34 CFR §300.324(a)(2)(iv).
Related terms
- Hearing impairmentUnder IDEA, hearing impairment is a permanent or fluctuating hearing loss, not severe enough to be deafness, that adversely affects educational performance.
- American Sign Language (ASL)American Sign Language is a complete visual language, with its own grammar and vocabulary, used by many Deaf people in the US and Canada.
- Remote microphone system (FM or DM)A remote microphone system sends a teacher's voice wirelessly to a student's hearing devices or a speaker, making speech clearer over distance and noise.
- Educational interpreterAn educational interpreter translates between spoken English and a signed language or other communication mode for a deaf or hard of hearing student at school.
- Special factorsSpecial factors are five issues the IEP team must consider for every student: behavior, English learning, braille, communication and assistive technology.
On IEP Atlas
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