Sensory Support Programs
 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHOH) Supports

The DHOH supports, helps students who are deaf or hard of hearing get ready for work and life after school. Program staff work with local businesses and help students to plan for their future. Students who get DHOH supports learn the same things as other students, but they also get extra support in areas like:

• Daily living,

• Communication,

• Social skills,

• Technology.

Students who are deaf and blind may learn how to read and write with braille, and also learn how to get around safely in their school and in their community. Some deaf students use sign language to learn, while others use an interpreter. Some students may also get help with their hearing devices.

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DHOH supports are not a separate program from regular school. Deaf students who can learn at the same level as other students join them in the same classes. Only deaf students who have other challenges or disabilities may need a different classroom setting.

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Students who need DHOH supports use different kinds of assessments. Some students take the MSAA, which is an alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Other students do the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) which is a computer-based test that measures college and career readiness. The DHOH staff attempt to find the best assessment for each student's needs and abilities.

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Vision Supports

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DCPS vision services support students who have trouble seeing. They teach them skills and give them tools to learn better. They follow the same standards as other students.

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Some students need to take a test to see how their vision affects their learning. The test checks how well they can see things close and far, how they use technology, and how they read and write. They might use Braille, big letters, devices, or sounds to learn. The test needs a report from an eye doctor. The test helps decide the types of vision services a student needs.

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Special vision teachers help students learn how to move around safely and independently. They also help students use their vision in the best way possible. They keep track of how students are doing and share their information with the IEP team. The IEP team decides what kind of diploma the student will get when they graduate.