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Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Definition: According to Colorado Eligibility, a child with a hearing impairment, including Deafness shall have a deficiency in hearing sensitivity as demonstrated by an elevated threshold of auditory sensitivity to pure tones or speech where even with the help of amplification, the child is prevented from receiving reasonable educational benefit from general education.
The Colorado Rules for the Administration of the Exceptional Children’s Educational Act (ECEA) defines the criteria for identifying a student with a hearing disability (Deaf/Hard of Hearing). Colorado’s Deaf Child Bill of Rights (1996) requires that all students with a hearing disability have a Communication Plan that considers students’ communicative needs as they relate to social and emotional development.
What's New
Summer Camp Opportunities for Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Summer camps provide invaluable experiences for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, offering opportunities to connect with peers, engage with inspiring role models, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Both in Colorado and across the nation, camps are available that focus on a variety of interests, including arts, sports, academics, and outdoor adventures.
Many of these programs offer financial aid to ensure accessibility for all families. Early application is strongly encouraged, as spaces fill quickly! Keep checking back on this page as we update it with additional opportunities when we are notified.
Don't miss the chance for your child to experience a summer full of learning, connection, language, and fun!
Sign Language Interpreters Skills Class (Authorized Interpreters Only)
Date: Friday, April 18th, 2025
Time: 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Where: Timnath Middle-High School, 4700 E Prospect Rd, Timnath, CO 80547
This year's topics, from CSU ASL instructor Deanne Seitz include expansion features in ASL, discourse-voice interpreting, use of faceting to elevate the message, and introduction to protractile-depicted action.
For outside participants who have not taken a class with Poudre School District before, please set up a guest account here and search for Course # 19912 Sign Language Interpreters Skills Class. The cost is $22.50. If you have signed up for classes before in our guest catalog and don’t remember your password, please contact Janelyn at jlilly@psdschools.org or Judy at jkinner@psdschools.org to reset and gain access to your guest account.
Classifiers in Education and Community
Date: Friday, April 26th, 2025
Time: 8 AM to 4 PM
Where: Aurora Central High School, 11700 E. 11th Ave., Aurora, CO 80010
This workshop focuses on the use of classifiers in ASL, particularly in educational and community settings. Participants will explore the basics of handshapes and learn how to interpret and apply classifiers effectively across various topics, including STEM, general education, and everyday interactions. Theis workshop includes demonstrations and activities to help participants practice and refine their skills, with a focus on using classifiers to enhance clarity and accuracy in communication.
Join us to develop your understanding and application of classifiers in diverse contexts. Space is limited, so register early!
Teaching Literacy to DHH Students through the Science of Reading: A Multisensory Team Approach
Date: June 4th and 5th, 2025
Time: 8 AM to 4 PM (both days)
Where: Denver Marriott West, 1717 Denver West Marriott Blvd., Golden, CO 80401
Join us for an engaging and informative two-day workshop led by Robert Frantum Allen, focused on meeting the unique literacy needs of students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) through the Science of Reading. Participants will explore evidence-based strategies to teach phonics using a multisensory approach that supports diverse learning styles and communication needs.
This workshop will emphasize the importance of collaboration among educational teams, including teachers, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and educational interpreters. Attendees will gain practical tools and techniques to foster literacy development and ensure that students receive comprehensive and meaningful instruction.
Those who will benefit most from this training include:
- Teachers
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
- Educational Interpreters
- School Audiologists
- Anyone involved in supporting literacy for DHH students
Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your practice and empower your students to become confident and successful readers.
Serving Students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing: A Professional Development Course for SLPs and other Service Providers
Students with hearing loss in Colorado, although low in incidence, have educationally significant and often quite specific needs in speech, language and academic development. Service providers, especially Speech and Language Pathologists, may at one time or another provide services to students with hearing loss. This course provides knowledge, information and resources to assist in better understanding, assessing, analyzing data and serving students who have hearing loss.
This course contains 5 modules which focus on the impact of hearing loss, aspects of a potential language gap, role of the SLP and essential nature of collaboration with service providers on the Deaf/HH education team as well as other essential components. Formal and informal assessment, using language samples, and knowing where to find resources and materials can be critical in providing specialized instruction and monitoring student progress. Whether part of a large district program, a small rural school or anywhere in between, this course has been developed to support YOU in the services you provide to students with hearing loss.
D/HH Job Board
View the latest listing of Deaf Hard of Hearing jobs across the state.
Statewide Deaf/HH Events Calendar
Bulletin Board
Bulletin Board features D/HH specific announcements and important information.
Want to Add to the Events Calendar or Bulletin Board?
To post an event, on the Statewide Deaf/HH Events Calendar or Bulletin Board, please complete the Post an Event Google Form. Pease have ready the following information: event title; date; time; location; event description; sponsoring organization and contact information.
If you have an event flyer or web link, please include it for posting on the events calendar/bulletin board. For events requiring an RSVP and/or request for accommodations, please add that information (along with instructions/contact information) within the event description.
Google Forms must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
These events are not a representation of the Colorado Department of Education, nor are they an endorsement from CDE. Unless specified, CDE does not organize these events. This is simply a platform for Deaf/HH events to be listed.
Professionals
[Employment/Professional Info Link]
- Listservs for CO Providers
- Statewide Collaboration Information
- Mentor Program for School Professionals
- Employment
- Teachers of the Deaf
- Educational Audiologists
- Educational Interpreters
Families
- Organizations
- Resources
- Accessibility During COVID
- Understanding Hearing Loss
- Birth - 3 Years Old
- Transition Services
Forms and Documents
[Services/Support Programs Link]
- D/HH Related Documents
- Archived Deaf/Hard of Hearing Newsletters
Questions?
For more information about services for students who are hearing impaired, please contact:
Shauna Moden, Deaf Education Specialist
Phone: 720-413-0179
Email Shauna Moden
Having trouble with this webpage?
If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.
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