• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program 

      

    What can I do if I suspect my child, or student may have a hearing loss? 

     Answer: 

    1. Consult a Doctor: Visit an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Doctor and an Audiologist to get an audiogram and ontological report signed by an ENT. 

    2. District Speech & Hearing Center: Schedule an appointment at the DPSCD Speech & Hearing Center (1220 W. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201).   

       Phone: (313) 494-8601. 

    3. D/HH Program Office: Call the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Office at (313) 263-2838 if you believe your student's hearing loss may be impacting their education. 

     

    What options are available for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) students in DPSCD? 

     Answer: 

    DPSCD offers a variety of programs for D/HH students, including: 

    - Pre-kindergarten through K-12 general curriculum (inclusive classrooms). 

    - Categorical classrooms designed specifically for D/HH students. 

      

    Approaches offered: 

    Auditory Oral (A/O) Approach: Emphasizes hearing and speech to develop spoken language. This approach does not use sign language but incorporates natural gestures. 

    Total Communication (TC) Approach: Uses all forms of communication (signs, gestures, fingerspelling, body language, listening, lipreading, and speech). The goal is to optimize language development based on the child's needs. 

     

    Which schools have D/HH-specific categorical classrooms? 

     Answer: 

    - Davison Elementary/Middle School: Auditory-Oral Communication Program. 

    - Bunche Elementary/Middle School: Total Communication Program. 

    - Detroit School of Arts High School: Total Communication/Auditory-Oral Communication Resource Program. 

     

    What school will my child attend if they are part of the general education curriculum? 

     Answer: 

    This will depend on several factors, including: 

    - Your child's boundary school location. 

    - Their Individualized Educational Program (IEP). 

    - Their current classroom/program placement. 

     

    Will my D/HH child receive services if they are in a general education setting? 

     Answer: 

    Yes, services will be provided based on your child’s IEP. 

      

    What types of services are available for D/HH students? 

     Answer: 

    DPSCD offers a range of services, including: 

    - Audiological Services 

    - Assistive Technology 

    - Sign Language Interpreters 

    - Social Work Services 

    - Speech/Language Services 

    - Physical/Occupational Therapy 

    - Direct Instruction from a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing 

     

    What resources are available for D/HH information and services in the community? 

     Answer: 

    Here are some helpful websites: 

    - [Michigan School for the Deaf](http://www.michiganschoolforthedeaf.org/) 

    - [Gallaudet University](http://www.gallaudet.edu) 

    - [Alexander Graham Bell Association](http://www.agbell.org) 

    - [Signing Savvy](http://www.signingsavvy.com) 

    - [Deaf C.A.N.!](http://www.deafcan.org) 

    - [Holley Institute](http://www.holleyfv.org) 

    - [Hands & Voices](http://www.handsandvoices.org) 

    - [National Association of the Deaf](http://www.nad.org) 

    - [Garlic Press – Sign Language Resources](http://www.garlicpress.com/sign-language) 

    - [Sign School](http://www.signschool.com) 

     

    ASL Dictionary Options: 

    - [SignASL.org](http://www.signasl.org) 

    - [Signing Savvy](http://www.signingsavvy.com) 

    - [ASL Pro](http://www.aslpro.com) 

    - [Lifeprint](http://www.lifeprint.com) 

    - [ASL Browser](http://www.aslbrowser.com) 

    - [Spread the Sign](http://www.spreadthesign.com) 

      

    Does the district offer free ASL classes? 

     Answer: 

    Yes, DPSCD offers free ASL classes throughout the school year.   

    Classes traditionally begin in October.   

    For more information, visit the DPSCD Website. 

      

    Who is the supervisor for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program? 

     Answer: 

    The program supervisor is Darlene Dorsette.   

    You can reach her at: darlene.dorsette@detroitk12.org.