Itinerant Program: Mainstream Services
	Ensuring Success HEAR in New Hampshire’s Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program is designed to provide students with hearing loss and the educational staff who work with them in their local communities with the supports and services needed to ensure a positive school experience and academic success. More than 90% of the students who graduate from HEAR in New Hampshire’s preschool or kindergarten programs are mainstreamed into their local community schools. While the opportunity to attend school with their hearing peers is invaluable, students with hearing loss continue to need educational and technical support to thrive in a regular classroom. Our Itinerant Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing make certain that students in mainstream education programs have the appropriate support services, proper technology and optimal listening conditions for academic success. Itinerant staff also provide classroom teachers, who may have little experience teaching students with hearing loss, with strategies, techniques and technical support that optimizes the classroom experience for both the student and the teacher. The type of service whether direct or consultative and the amount of service provided by the Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is based on a student’s individual needs. Specialized Training As more students with hearing loss are being served in their local communities, there is an increased need for specially trained teachers. HEAR in New Hampshire’s itinerant staff are all highly qualified and certified by the State of New Hampshire. Our Itinerant Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing are experts in the auditory/oral approach to teaching students with hearing loss. HEAR in New Hampshire’s Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program is open to any student, ages 3 - 21, with an educationally significant hearing loss. Services are provided in the student’s local community. Currently our itinerant staff is serving students from preschool through high school in communities across south central New Hampshire. Meeting Individual Needs HEAR in New Hampshire’s Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program is customized to meet the individual needs of students. Services may include but are not limited to: Support to the school district team Transition planning Staff in-service on hearing loss and its impact on students and learning Planning for student assessment Evaluation and recommendations regarding classroom acoustics Consultation and support to all school personnel Recommending, modeling/implementing appropriate accommodations Participation in the generation of IEP’s and progress reports Technology training Support to the student Presentation to peers/classmates on hearing loss and hearing aids/cochlear implants Developing student understanding of his/her own hearing loss Habilitation services for students with cochlear implants Auditory skill development Direct instruction and review of academic content Pre and post teaching of new vocabulary and concepts Promoting self-advocacy and fostering independence Facilitating social interactions and developing self-esteem Teaching appropriate use of technology Support to the family Liaison between school staff, parents and outside personnel (audiologists, etc.) Provision of information about hearing loss and equipment Participation in meetings/evaluation For more information or to access HEAR in New Hampshire’s Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program call 603-624-4464. ©2005-2009 HEAR in New Hampshire