Technical Assistance Center for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

2014

Research shows that babies who are identified with hearing loss and who receive effective early intervention before 6 months of age are able to function on level with hearing peers (Yoshinago-Itano, 1997). The overall goal of the TA HRG project is to increase competencies of professionals who work with children, birth ? 21, who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families in order to optimize their development. This is done through regional and statewide trainings and technical assistance in the area of hearing impairment and deafness. An unusual feature of the project is the Virginia Network of Consultants for Professionals Working with Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (VNOC), a cadre of 30 specialists with expertise in various areas of hearing impairment. VNOC assistance is available to Virginia public school systems and state operated programs including early intervention programs in areas such as: identification, assessment (educational and/or psychological), communication competency of students, educators and interpreters in the spectrum of modalities (auditory-oral, bilingual-bicultural, American Sign Language, etc.), amplification, and the listening and spoken language needs of students especially those with cochlear implants. By increasing the competency of professionals, it is expected that the children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families will benefit with improved education and quality of life.

Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Impaired

Training Trainees, Developing & Disseminating Information

Education & Early Intervention

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban, Specific Groups

State

N/A