Outreach Services
The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf’s Outreach Program provides dedicated individualized services to ensure equitable access to Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students within their Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Our vision is to empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing students across educational institutions, residential programs, home-based environments, and other settings by ensuring equitable access to high-quality, personalized educational services that help them reach their full potential. Through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to inclusive practices, our Outreach Program aims to foster a world where every Deaf and Hard of Hearing student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
PSD’s Outreach Services are designed to provide specialized support, resources, and advocacy to ensure that Deaf and hard-of-hearing students have equal access to educational opportunities in their Least Restrictive Environment. We work closely with educational institutions such as schools, hospitals, home-bound, as well as families, to create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. Through individualized services and guidance, we aim to break down communication barriers and promote academic, social, and emotional growth.
Educational Audiology Services
Educational audiologists are part of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team, helping to enhance listening, learning, and communication access within the school environment. They conduct specialized assessments, monitor hearing devices, recommend, and manage hearing assistance technology, provide support services, training, and resources to schools. Our audiologists also advocate for students’ needs.
Services provided include:
Itinerant Hearing Support Teacher Services
The itinerant Hearing Support Teacher (also known as a Teacher of the Deaf, or TOD) is a certified professional who supports Deaf and Hard of Hearing students by providing specialized educational services. TODs travel to different schools, hospitals, homes, and correctional facilities to work with students and assess their hearing levels, write IEP goals, and recommend accommodations. They deliver direct support through one-on-one, small group, or push-in services and regularly consult with school staff to ensure effective communication and student success. Our TODs are experts in assessing the students to determine the impact of their hearing levels.
Services include:
- Direct services to students
- Consultation with staff and families
- Comprehensive testing and evaluations
- Development and participation in IEP meetings
- Collaboration with the IEP team to ensure individualized support
- Short- and long-term planning to address student needs
- Case management responsibilities, upon request.
- Professional development / Staff Training
Psycho-Educational Services
We offer comprehensive psychological services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The program includes specialized psychoeducational evaluations for students ages 0-22, focusing on the unique developmental, language, social-emotional, and academic needs of deaf and hard of hearing students. The program is designed with best practices, ensures accurate assessments, and facilitates informed decision-making for students and their families.
Services include:
- Psycho-educational evaluations for students ages 0-22
- Coordination of re-evaluation reports
- Consultation on best practices, report review, and feedback for educational classifications
- Tailored in-service training for school teams to enhance their understanding and support strategies for deaf and hard of hearing students.