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The Role of the Educational Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
An advocate, by bringing awareness to all specialists and staff working with a child with hearing loss. Explaining
that hearing loss, no matter what degree, affects learning and that amplification does not cure hearing loss. Emphasizing
the benefits gained by a child's participation and meeting with the child (if age appropriate) to encourage self-advocacy
and discussing his or her development are important steps during this process. Informing team members of expectations, encouraging
acceptance, and explaining the importance of a positive attitude to promote membership for this child within the classroom
are some of the crucial elements that aid in the success of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing.
An educator, to
families, all specialists and staff working with a child with hearing loss, by addressing classroom challenges that may include,
but are not limited to, acoustic issues, language expansion and teaching techniques. This is done through observing the child's
surroundings, which includes examining the relationship between the child and the teacher, as well as the interaction between
the child and his or her peers. The focus is then placed on classroom layout, teaching techniques and appropriateness of academic
activities. After an observation, constructive suggestions are made regarding teaching modifications, classroom modifications,
and reviewing the role of the interpreter are addressed. Here is when explanations of the implications of hearing loss are
made (i.e. explaining the child's audiogram, demonstrating distance and surrounding noise as being a factor). Importance of
peer interaction, discussions of the child's academic levels , understanding hearing age, suggestions on how to manage instructional
time, demonstrations of new methods for maximizing audition and speech by utilizing auditory learning techniques, and how
to maximize opportunities for listening, are among the various topics discussed and demonstrated.
The educational
consultant provides support by ensuring collaboration between team members (i.e. family, school administration, teacher of
the deaf, school nurse, school audiologist, speech staff, special education teacher, resource teacher, classroom teacher,
and any other related staff working with this child). Prior to attending an IEP meeting, the educational consultant is available
to help develop appropriate, individualized goals and objectives based on assessment and observation that related to self-advocacy,
the use of listening equipment, communication, and speech and language skills. The consultant can also help determine mainstream
ability through a series of observations and meetings with team members.
A resource, one who suggests activities to
family members and all related service providers that will ensure an optimal listening and visual environment while supporting
the classroom teacher's curriculum. Providing staff with hard copies of modification material is important so school personnel
can reference it in the future. If a teacher knows what to expect, they are more likely to expect more from their students.
Encouragement, education and teamwork are all keys to meeting a child's overall educational needs successfully.
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