School Age Programs
There are several levels of support for students in TDSB schools. These levels of service delivery are dependent upon individual needs and are listed from the least intensive to most intensive level of support. Some levels of support include the creation of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to outline goals in an alternative program or to support the use of Remote Microphone technology. Some students may have accommodations to support accessibility to the Ontario Curriculum documented on an Individiual Learnng Plan (ILP). Additional information can be found in the TDSB Guide to Special Education and Inclusion for Parents/Caregivers/Guardians.
Regular Classroom Options
Some students attend regular classes in their local school and receive support from an itinerant Specialist Teacher of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (ToDHH). Based on student need and the TDSB's model of tiered support, a student may receive one of these three levels of support:
Monitoring Support (Tier 1)
Itinerant ToDHHs monitor students' needs related to hearing and provide information and in-service to classroom teachers
Usually 2 to 3 visits per school year and consultation as needed
Program Support (Tier 2)
Itinerant ToDHHs monitor students' needs related to hearing, provide information and in-service to classroom teachers and support the use of remote microphone amplification systems in regular classrooms
Typically monthly visits with the student and classroom/subject teacher
Direct Instruction (Tier 3)
Itinerant ToDHHs provide support to focus on the specific learning needs related to the implications of a significant bilateral hearing difference
Itinerant ToDHHs provide all the program supports listed above
Usually 2 to 3 sessions per week
This level of support is assessed through a Central Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC)
Special Classroom Options
Some students attend a special education program at a designated program site. These programs are taught by a Specialist Teacher of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and are supported by specialized Educational Assistants. Students are transported to and from the program by the TDSB.
This model provides support to students with an educationally significant bilateral hearing thresholds who require intensive support for communication and language development. This level of service is accessed through a Central IPRC or Special Education Program Recommendation Committee (SEPRC).
For more on IPRC and SEPRC refer to Guide to Special Education and Inclusion for Parents/Caregivers/Guardians.
Co-enrollment Kindergarten
Students attend a full-day program at a designated program site
Each day, students spend time in both a larger mainstream kindergarten class and in a small group setting receiving intensive support with Deaf/Hard of Hearing peers
Intensive Support Programs (ISP)
Students attend a full day program at a designated site
Students receive intensive language support using one or more communication modalities
Includes some level of integration with typically hearing peers
ISP classes are offered at both the elementary and secondary level
For more information on the high school program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students at Northern Secondary School, click here .
Use these links for more information on the high school program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students at Drewry Secondary School
Information Brochure Virtual Open House
Students with Multiple Needs
Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and have other exceptionalities may attend a specialized program other than one designated for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Support is available for these students through the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Team (i.e. Monitoring, Program Support, or Direct Instruction).
Eligibility and Accessing Services
Any student with an identified hearing difference (with a copy of a hearing test done within the last 24 months) is eligible to receive support from the Special Education and Inclusion-Deaf/Hard of Hearing team. Support is available from school entry through to high school graduation.
Schools, parents/guardians, audiologists, and community agencies can contact us for information on how to access our services.