Deaf and Hard of Hearing
“Sign language is a dance with words…”
Understanding Classroom Challenges for DHH Students
Picture trying to learn in a classroom with noise-canceling headphones on. Everyone around you is talking, the teacher is asking questions, your classmates are answering, but you can’t hear a word of it. You try to read the lips of those around you, but all you can see is the back of some of your classmates’ heads and you certainly can’t see those sitting in the rows behind you.
It can be difficult to put yourself in another person’s shoes and it’s harder still to not only understand but to anticipate the challenges affecting those with disabilities. Students who are deaf and hard of hearing face a variety of barriers in the classroom such as classroom set-up (not being able to see their classmates and who is speaking), lighting that could make it difficult to see an interpreter or teacher, background sounds that can affect or be amplified by hearing aids, and lack of resources from schools to properly assist them.
How the DHH Program Helps
At DHH, we work to overcome the barriers faced by students who are deaf and hard of hearing, and we mitigate the impact of hearing loss on students’ social and emotional development. DHH provides solutions for our students’ challenges by providing academic programs and itinerant services. Programs include a Special Day Class, integrated on regular school campuses, and our Larson East Auditory Oral Program (LEAP) which provides a variety of amplification options for children who use spoken language and listening skills to communicate.
DHH Services Available
DHH staff members consist of fully credentialed teachers, certified auditory-verbal educators and therapists, paraeducators, and certified sign language interpreters — all with the mission to help our students achieve higher levels of academic success.
Infants and Toddlers early intervention program
A highly qualified teacher provides home-based and center-based services as determined appropriate by the Individual Family Service Plan.
School-Based Services (Preschool - 12th Grade)
A highly qualified teacher provides intensive specialized academic instruction. Services are available at a designated general education campus, allowing students every opportunity to participate in mainstreamed classes and activities.
Itinerant Services (Preschool – 12th Grade)
A highly qualified teacher provides various service models (e.g., inclusive, collaborative or pullout services) to support students in their learning environments. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) determines the frequency of services.
Sign Language Interpreter
This service allows students to fully participate in general education classes, school activities, and extracurricular activities as determined by the IEP.
Other Support Services
Other services are occupational therapy, adapted physical education, and physical therapy for students who have additional needs identified through the IEP process.
“Sign language is a dance with words, to be enjoyed from babyhood through childhood to adulthood...” — Marilyn Daniels
Contact Us
For children 3 years and younger.
9625 Van Ruiten Street, Room K1, Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 869-7301 ext. 5532
Children under 3 years old:
Contact Shannon Romo: sromo@dusd.net
Students older than 3 years old:
Contact Erica Diaz: ediaz@dusd.net