The Learning Center for the Deaf Our mission is to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing students achieve their fullest potential in an educational environment where language and communication are keys to building competence, character and community.
The Outreach Partnership Program Support services for public schools serving deaf and hard of hearing students
For more information, contact: The Learning Center for the Deaf The Outreach Partnership Program
848 Central Street Framingham, MA 01701 (508) 879-5100 5110 TTY/Voice (508) 875-9203 Fax inquiries@tlcdeaf.org Visit us online at http://www.tlcdeaf.org The Learning Center for the Deaf is a non-profit, non-sectarian day and residential school organized under section 501Š3 of the Internal Revenue Code and approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education. The Learning Center for the Deaf admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school, and to all its educational and administration policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or other school-administered programs. The Learning Center and its programs are funded, in part, by contracts with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SUPPORT FOR INCLUSIONARY CLASSROOMS
FACULTY INSERVICES AND WORKSHOPS
Inclusion in public schools has resulted in more classrooms with deaf and hard of hearing students. An increasing number of deaf children with cochlear implants are also being educated in public school classrooms. Teachers and support staff often do not have the specific training necessary to work with this unique population. The Outreach Partnership Program (TOPP) addresses the specific needs of students with hearing aids and cochlear implants in their public school classrooms. TOPP provides a support system for monitoring deaf and hard of hearing students’ academic and developmental progress. In addition, TOPP assists districts in complying with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (504 plans) for deaf and hard of hearing students in the classroom.
CONSULTATION In order to identify student needs and coordinate appropriate services, TOPP will: Meet with parents and faculty to facilitate the development of appropriate educational plans. Meet with the individual student. Observe the student in both academic and social settings Identify classroom modifications and teaching practices, which support participation and learning. TOPP consultants include educators, educational audiologists, speech-language pathologists and school psychologists who have experience working with deaf and hard of hearing students and children with cochlear implants.
Workshops can be arranged on the following topics: Curriculum adaptations in the classroom. Educational audiology and the impact of hearing loss on listening and participating in the classroom. Cochlear implant, FM, and hearing aid technology and maintenance.
SUPPORT SERVICES FOR TEACHERS, STUDENTS, AND FAMILIES Once student needs are identified, TOPP will assist school districts in implementing appropriate interventions by providing: Observation, consultation, and training for classroom teachers and support personnel.
Communication choices and language learning for deaf and hard of hearing students. Comprehensive American Sign Language courses. TOPP serves as a resource for any public school systems seeking to learn more about inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing students.
Periodic review of all curriculum adaptations. Educational audiology services, including classroom acoustics assessment and FM system recommendation, implementation, and training. Consultation with speech-language pathologists regarding speech, language and auditory needs of children with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Consultation support for sign language interpreters working in public schools. Assistance with student transition issues (for example, work and extra- curricular activities). Comprehensive resource information related to student assessment.
“The TLC Outreach Partnership Program has provided excellent advice and consultation services to our schools, working with children and youth with hearing impairments. We are most pleased and thrilled with this partnership.” - Special Education Director