Cheryl DeConde Johnson, EdD,
Leeanne Seaver, MA
Janet DesGeorges

English and Spanish versions available!

New chapter on Early Intervention 2023 Updated Legislative and Policy information

The H&V Guidebook is the essential book for families, advocates, and professionals who support the education of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Can also serve as a textbook for students in the field. 210+ pages.

Table of Contents:

Chapter 1: Introduction to Special Education
Chapter 2: Special Considerations for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Chapter 3: A Question of Eligibility
Chapter 4: The ABC’s of FAPE and LRE
Chapter 5: Assessment and Evaluation
Chapter 6: IEP’s
Chapter 7: Procedural Safeguards
Chapter 8: The Four R’s of Advocacy
Chapter 9: Leaping “Hurdle Talk” in an IEP
Chapter 10: Advanced Advocacy Strategies and Caselaw
Chapter 11: The finesse of Advocacy
Chapter 12: Back to the Beginning: Early Intervention and the IFSP

Appendix A: Key Federal Legislation and Reports Relative to Deaf Education
Appendix B: Key Advocacy Events in Deaf Education
Appendix C: General Provisions of IDEA Part C and Part B
Appendix D: Comparison of Pertinent Part B and Part C IDEA Requirements Related to Children and Youth who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Appendix E: IDEA 2004 Key Regulations Pertaining to Audiology and Deaf Education
Appendix F: Comparison of Pertinent Areas of Section IDEA Part B, 504 & ADA
Appendix G: OSEP RtI Policy Clarification
Appendix H: OSEP Letter to Clarke

The post Educational Advocacy For Students Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: The Hands & Voices Guidebook first appeared on Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss.

Billie BAHA and her Super HEARo friends are back!

This time, they travel to the movies.  The movie theater is not always the most accessible for children and adults with hearing differences. Read how the Super HEARos  problem-solve when situations arise.

Join Billie BAHA and the rest of her Super HEARo friends as they take a field trip to the movies. They will encounter an obstacle, learn about their ADA rights, practice their self-advocacy skills and come together to resolve their problems!

48 pages | Paperback

The post Billie BAHA Goes to the Movies first appeared on Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss.

The purpose of this book is to provide resources that will assist these students in optimizing their achievement through improved access and self-advocacy. Many publications provide information on supporting students with hearing loss who have academic or language learning needs. The information contained in this book targets the “expanded core curriculum,” or those skills that must be mastered in order to benefit from the core curriculum. This book is meant to be a practical ready-to-go resource for professionals who work with school-age children with hearing loss. Although applicable to students with hearing loss of all degrees, the information is especially pertinent to students who are mainstreamed into their neighborhood schools.

This is a valuable resource for professionals in training, new professionals and seasoned veterans. It also has almost 50 downloadable files for purchasers of the book (see Table of Contents).

Intended audience: Educators of deaf/hard of hearing, educational audiologists, speech language pathologists – the book has also been beneficial for family members!

“Your book, The Deaf Bible as I refer to it, has changed the way our DHH program supports our students and advocates for their learning.”

DHH Teacher, Florida

I LOVE the book, it is so helpful to me as a DHH Itinerant! Best, most concise and thorough collection of materials ever. A must for every Itinerant! DHH Teacher, California

The post Building Skills for Success in the Fast-Paced Classroom first appeared on Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss.

Authors:  Catherine Madonia, M.Ed. and Vielka Montout, M.Ed.

Daniel McCrew and You is a book in the Hearing Loss Help for Students, Families and Teachers Series which focuses on issues specific to children with hearing loss in their educational and social settings. Daniel is a 6th grade student with hearing loss. This book discusses IEP accommodations Daniel uses to optimize his access to his education and hopes to encourage all students with hearing loss to fully advocate for themselves in order to have the best possible access to their education. Vocabulary List and Discussion Questions included.

Do you have a hearing loss? Do you know someone with a hearing loss? Do you work with someone with a hearing loss? Are you the only person in your class with hearing needs? Look inside for some ideas to access and create optimal listening and communicating environments at school.

Then, if you have found Daniel helpful, keep an eye out for more books and topics in the Hearing Loss Help for Students, Families and Teachers Series! 

Target Age Range:  Upper elementary to middle school

Paperback perfect bound 8.5” x 8.5” | 46 pages

The post Daniel McCrew and You first appeared on Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss.

Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Super Shaker – $35.99

The Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Super Shaker has an extra-loud adjustable 113 dB volume, super bright strobe lights, and the industry leading powerful 12V bed-shaker to ensure you wake on-time, every time.

Customize your clock’s features with five-level dimmer, adjustable tone and volume, dual time 12/24-hour format, and flexible alarm and snooze duration. Test mode to ensure all your settings are working and the battery back-up keeps your settings secure during a power-outage.

Color: Classic black with red dials and buttons.

Support Your Child’s Independence!

Features:

• 113 dB Extra-Loud Alarm
• Dual Alarms
• Powerful Bed-Shaker (included)
• Built-In Super Bright Strobe Lights
• Five-Level Dimmer
• Adjustable Alarm Tone and Volume
• Adjustable Alarm Duration (1-59 Minutes)
• Adjustable Snooze Duration (1-30 Minutes)
• Alarm and Bed-Shaker Test Mode
• Dual Time 12/24 Hour Time Format
• Battery Back-Up – Settings
• One Year Sonic Alert Warranty

Watch This Video!

“I love my Sonic Bomb alarm clock!  When I take my cochlear implants off, I can’t hear anything.  The bed shaker always wakes me up – even when I press snooze again and again!  I like being able to wake up on my own without having to ask my parents for help.   I’ve been using it for years!”

— Veda, 12-years-old

“Our daughter got her Sonic Bomb alarm clock when she was 5 years old and has been using it ever since!  The bed shaker allows her to be independent in the morning while getting ready for school and she doesn’t need to rely on us to wake her up.  It’s great to have the option of vibrate and/or tone.  We definitely recommend this product for families who have children with hearing loss.”

–Mike and Teri, parents of a deaf child

The post Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Super Shaker first appeared on Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss.

My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do is an African American children’s book for all ages that celebrates tolerance and acceptance. This story features a young deaf girl and her hearing friend who convey a tale about the misunderstandings of people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This book helps readers to clearly understand that deaf people can do the same tasks that others can do. In essence, My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do helps to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing community by giving a better, more accurate understanding of a deaf person’s life, abilities, and talents. Besides, this story also highlights aspects of bullying and promotes empathy for all. Throughout this book readers will notice different sign language signs as they read. This book encourages others to learn sign language and open their minds and hearts to the beauty of diversity!

Signed by the author, Tanesha Ausby.

Target age:  7-10
Book Details: Paperback. 38 pages,   8 x 0.09 x 10”

The post My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do! first appeared on Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss.

Mila may be a kid, but she can act pretty grown up…at least that’s what she thinks. The trouble is, Mila’s parents still treat her like she’s little, so she’s decided to prove once and for all that she can do things “all on her own!”  But when it turns out that being a big kid isn’t as easy as she thought, will Mila admit defeat, or will she find a way to prove just how big and mighty she really is?

Readers of all ages will love Mila’s spitfire personality and imaginative approach to overcoming obstacles, and will cheer her on as she uses her creativity, her willpower, and even her new cochlear implant hearing devices to face down challenges.

Laugh-out-loud fun: Simultaneously precocious and charming, Mila’s antics will leave kids cracking up. After all, who hasn’t wanted to tie their shoes with tape or help themselves to the perfect breakfast of pizza and cupcakes?

Representation & empowerment:  A book that provides much needed representation for deaf/hard of hearing children through a fun story portraying a deaf main character as a “regular kid”, where her hearing loss is NOT the focus of the story—also enabling typical hearing children to see that deaf/hard of hearing children think, feel and act just the same way as they do!

Social-emotional learning (SEL): The perfect inclusive book to teach children about acceptance, empathy, and respect for all types of people through an inspiring, engaging story.

Problem solving & perseverance: A great way to encourage creative thinking and show children that they can achieve anything they set their mind and hearts to—even if that sometimes means asking for help from others.

Fun, educational supplemental activities:  “I-spy” style learning activities at the end of the story further explore the book’s bright, whimsical illustrations while also building vocabulary and listening skills! In addition, a comprehensive “Mighty Mila Activity Pack” containing 34 fun, educational activities that can be used in conjunction with reading “Mighty Mila” will be provided for FREE digital download with all purchases of the “Mighty Mila” hardcover. The Mighty Mila Activity Pack can also be downloaded for FREE at www.mightymila.com/resources. An excellent resource for educators, therapists and parents!

Amazon best-seller in multiple categories, with over 160 5-star reviews. Recipient of a 5 Star Review Badge by Readers’ Favorite

Book Details: 10″ x 10″ Hardcover, signed by the Author. 35 pages. Ages 3-8.

Mighty Mila is now a multiple award-winning book and is honored to have won the following awards: 

• Gold Winner of the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award (Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book: Children’s / Young Adult)
• Gold Winner of the Wishing Shelf Awards (Books for 6-8 Year Olds)
• Gold Winner of the Eric Hoffer Award (Children’s Books)
• Winner of the Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award (for superior work by debut authors)
• Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize Finalist

The post Mighty Mila – Author Signed Copy + Free Digital Activity Pack first appeared on Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss.

Freddie wants nothing more than a pet, so when the fairy Bessie-Belle offers to grant his wishes, he knows just what to ask for. But Bessie-Belle can’t hear very well and Freddie tends to mumble, which means the wishes aren’t turning out as planned! Whatever can they do? Luckily the Fairy Queen is on hand to help.

Book Details: Softcover. 32 pages. For ages 3-8.

The post Freddie and the Fairy first appeared on Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss.

Skyler has a hearing loss. And he doesn’t feel much like talking today. No wonder—he keeps missing what his parents and siblings have to say, and it’s frustrating. Skyler’s little sister, Maizy, tags along on his morning routine and, with the help of her special friend, we learn that it takes more than hearing aids to help Skyler feel like talking again.

This 35-page full color children’s book by Audiologist Jim Bombicino provides avenues for discussion and building vocabulary by highlighting the difficulties that students may face each day, including mishearing and misunderstanding information, the effect of background noise, and consequential frustration and confusion that can happen when the ease of daily communication is taken for granted by typically hearing persons.  In this case, the story follows a young boy as he awakens and prepares for a typical school day.

The e-book version includes audio of the text read by actors, while their voices are filtered to imitate how Skyler hears through his hearing aids! Listening situations include a speaker with added background noise, simultaneous speakers, a speaker talking too quickly, and mishearing words—all heard as they come through Skyler’s hearing devices.  Perfect for helping teachers, families, and classmates understand what a hearing loss might be like.  Finally put typically hearing adults and children in the shoes of the child with hearing loss!

For grades 3-6

New!  On Teacher Tools Takeout – This video version includes audio of the text read by actors, while their voices are filtered to imitate how Skyler hears through his hearing aids! Listening situations include a speaker with added background noise, simultaneous speakers, a speaker talking too quickly, and mishearing words—all heard as they come through Skyler’s hearing devices.  Perfect for helping teachers, families, and classmates understand what a hearing loss might be like.  Finally put typically hearing adults and children in the shoes of the child with hearing loss!

Video download can be accessed on any device. Please respect the copyright and creativity of the author and avoid sharing as freeware.

Please note:  Compatible only with iPad and iOS devices.  Free Author’s notes and discussion guide are available for download at Teacher Tools Takeout marketplace.

How to Open ePub Files on Your iPad.

Before trying to load the ePUB file make sure you have downloaded and installed iBook app from Apple’s app store.

Directly on the iPAD or Iphone  (recommended)

1. 1. Make sure the free iBooks app is on your iPad.
2. 2. Follow the link from Safari to reach the ePub document.  This means either accessing your email to find the attached file, or going to our website to download the file with an access code.
3. 3. Select “Open in iBooks” on the iPad/iPhone
4. 4. The eBook will open and be added to your iBooks collection.
5. 5. From now on, you can open the ePub document from the iBooks app on your iPad/iPhone.

From PC to iPAD

1. 1. Make sure the free iBooks app is on your iPad.
2. 2. Make sure the free Itunes app is on your PC.  Open iTunes.
3. 3. Find the ePub file on your computer by accessing email or visiting website where purchased/obtained.
4. 4. Drag and drop the ePub file onto your Library in iTunes on your computer.
5. 5. Connect your iPad to your computer.
6. 6. Check under the “Books” tab in iTunes to be sure this ePub is selected for syncing
7. 7. Then sync.
8. 8. The ePub document is added to your iBooks collection inside the iBooks app.
9. 9. From now on, you can open the ePub document from the iBooks app on your iPad.

Directly on PC

How to read Open EPUB or Open PDF e-books on a computer

1. 1. Download the free Adobe Digital Editions: https://www.adobe.com/solutions/ebook/digital-editions/download.html
2. 2. Open Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) on your Windows or Mac computer.
3. 3. Go to File > Add to Library.
4. 4. Find the saved EPUB or PDF file on your computer. By default, files are saved to your computer’s “Downloads” folder.
5. 5. Double-click an e-book to start reading, or follow these steps to transfer it to an e-reader.

The post Elephant in the Room first appeared on Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss.

• Two heavy lamintated game boards – 1 with and 1 without cochlear implant
• Two heavy laminated blank audiograms and an erasable marker for students to draw in their own audiograms
• Over 100 game cards, organized into topical information
• Each question card is written at 3 learning levels
• List of questions with suggested answers
• Data collection sheet
• 1-2-3 Die and a 1-2-3-4-5-6- Die
• Instruction sheet with extensive sample learning objectives

All items are included in a heavy-duty plastic envelope for easy transport for busy itinerant teachers or storage in resource rooms or homes.

The list of questions with suggested answers make Race to the Brain Game a good way to learn about hearing loss, hearing device use, and self-advocacy for teacher training programs, educational professionals, and family members.

 TOPICS COVERED

Hearing & Hearing Loss

• Anatomy and the Hearing Process
•  Audiologic Information and Support

Hearing Devices & Listening Environments

• Personal Hearing Devices
• Assistive Technology
• Listening Environments

Self-Advocacy Strategies – What would you do?

The post Race to the Brain Game first appeared on Supporting Success For Children With Hearing Loss.