Regional Consultant Services
Coordinator - Terry Keegan
802-254-3929 (v/tty/vp)
Email: tkeegan@vcdhh.org
Vermont Center Regional Consultants provide an array of specialized services to deaf and hard of hearing students from birth through age 21, enrolled in publicly supported programs regardless of their educational placement. This program is supported by a grant from the Vermont Department of Education and funds from local school districts.
Consultants work with other professionals within the field of deaf education to promote the early identification of hearing loss. Once a child is identified, consultants may serve as liaisons between families, schools and medical and audiological personnel. Consultants provide current information concerning the child’s education, including language choice, communication methods and the continuum of educational placements available.
Throughout a child’s educational career, consultants work as members of the educational team to ensure the use and maintenance of appropriate hearing devices and implementation of classroom accommodations. Consultants assist teachers, educational assistants, tutors, interpreters and other school professionals in the modification of curriculum and the implementation of teaching strategies and classroom accommodations designed to best serve the individual deaf or hard of hearing student. Technical assistance regarding the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, and sound field systems may be provided. Direct service may be provided in the areas of language and literacy, speech instruction and the development and assessment of auditory skills.
Consultants provide families with ongoing support and school staff with in-service training. Outside agencies may be accessed as needed and consultants support all those involved in effective collaborations. The goal at all times is the assurance of an appropriate education and the success of the deaf or hard of hearing student in the classroom, the family and the community.