Special Education Services

Welcome to the Special Education Services Pages

Texas School for the Deaf strives to provide all needed services, modifications, and accommodations each child needs to access their education. As part of this goal, the staff in the student support services department provide general interventions and services to all students who attend TSD. 
 

In addition to the general supports provided to each child, some students also receive direct targeted instruction. Students who receive special education services and specially designed instruction are eligible for the following related services under IDEA:

    • Assistive Technology
    • Audiology
    • Behavior Supports
    • Psychological and Counseling services
    • Health and medical services
    • Occupational therapy
    • Orientation and mobility services
    • Parent training
    • Physical therapy
    • Speech-language pathology
    • Vision Services

 

In order for students to receive direct service from a provider, parent or staff concerns are discussed with the provider and a screening is requested. The provider will conduct informal assessments and child observations to determine if further formal evaluations are needed. 

If formal testing is necessary, an ARD committee meeting is requested and scheduled. Consent for testing is obtained from the parent/guardian/adult student and a due date is set. When the testing is completed, another ARD meeting is scheduled so results can be shared. This consent for testing can be revoked (cancelled) at any time by the parent/guardian/adult student.

If the service provider determines your child does not need direct services, accommodations and/or classroom modifications/strategies can be discussed during the ARD meeting.

If the service provider determines that direct services are needed for your child, goals and objectives will be created and service minutes will be offered. If accepted, these services will be added your child's schedule of services. You will receive progress reports on these goals every 9 weeks with their report card and at the annual ARD meeting each year. If at any time you decide you no longer want the services provided, you may ask for an ARD to discuss discontinuation. 

If you have any questions about the services being provided to your child, about the process to initiate or drop a related service, or issues with a service provider, please do not hesitate to contact: 

Elizabeth Sterling
Special Education Director
elizabeth.sterling@tsd.state.tx.us
512-462-5782