Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Visual Impairment Services

MARESA deaf/hard of hearing and vision consultants work in collaboration with school staff to offer students with hearing and visual impairments with the best access to tools and training to achieve educational goals. 

Consultant for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing

The Consultant for the Hearing Impaired provides direct services to hearing impaired students that are supportive of special education or general education teachers, as well as provides consultation to educational personnel on behalf of the deaf/hard of hearing students. The consultant also manages the assistive equipment necessary for students.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Resources

• Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing ~ www.agbell.org 

• Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Gallaudet University ~ www.clerccenter.gallaudet.edu

• Michigan Hands & Voices ~ https://handsandvoices.org/

Consultant for the Visually Impaired

The Consultant for the Visually Impaired provides direct instruction to students who are blind or visually impaired. Use of braille writers and other specialized equipment are available for students. Consultative support is also offered to school staff and parents.

VI Resources

• National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments ~ www.spedex.com/napvi/

Low Vision Therapist

The Low Vision Therapist provides a Low Vision Functional Assessment working together with the classroom teacher and the Consultant for the Visually Impaired to provide services and accommodations for the student.

Low VI Resources

• Michigan Department of Education – Low Incidence Outreach ~ 
  https://mdelio.org/

Orientation and Mobility Specialist

The Orientation and Mobility Specialist (OMS) provides assistance to blind and visually impaired students. OMS teach independent mobility, functional living skills and the ability for the student with a visual impairment to develop skills to orient to an unfamiliar environment. An assessment of the student’s current level, related to orientation and mobility skills, is provided and an individual program is designed for the student. Social behaviors, safety issues, and the use of low vision devices are also taught. 

Contact

Maresa Special Education Department
(906) 226-5149