Deaf and Hard of Hearing services have an all inclusive range of services that can meet the diverse needs of our deaf and hard of hearing students and their individual language and communication goals.
Speech language pathologists and a contract audiologist work closely with our department to insure that our students are receiving the support that they need to be successful.
For more information on DHH staff, services & resources go to their web page. Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DHH) Services
Within the New Hanover County School system, itinerant vision instructional services and orientation & mobility related services are offered to support the education of students with low vision and blindness.
The Teacher of Students who are Blind/Visually Impaired (TVI) reviews medical eye reports, observes, assesses and, if needed, provides direct, collaborative, and/or consultative intervention, as determined by the IEP team, based on each individual student’s needs.
From the NC Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities:
Visual impairment, including blindness, means an impairment in vision that, even with correction, adversely affects a child's educational performance. The term includes both partial sight and blindness. A visual impairment is the result of a diagnosed ocular or cortical pathology.
To be determined eligible in the disability category of visual impairment, including blindness, a student must have:
A visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/200 in the better eye after correction, to be considered visually impaired.
A visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye after correction, or a peripheral field so contracted that the widest diameter subtends an arc no greater than 20 degrees, to be considered legally blind.
The disability must have an adverse effect on educational performance, and require specially designed instruction.
As a related service to students with a qualifying visual impairment, O&M instruction enables students…“to attain systematic orientation to and safe movement within their environments in school, home and community.” (NC Policies Governing Services for Students with Disabilities, NC 1500-2.28)
The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) conducts observations, assessments, and teaches skills associated with safe travel for students who are blind/visually impaired, including orienting to an environment; use of specific travel techniques, such as sighted/human guide; and travel tools, such as the long cane.
For more information on VI staff, services & resources go to their web page. Vision Impaired/Orientation & Mobility