The Four Rivers Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program provides Deaf and Hard of Hearing services for children 3-21 years of age whose hearing difference impacts their educational
environment and curriculum.

Eligibility is applied when the Eligibility Determination Conference (EDC) participants determine
the hearing difference has an adverse effect on learning and requires special education services
to address a hearing difference.

If eligibility is determined, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed by the IEP team. The initial IEP team will consist of the following members: Administrator, Local Educational Agency (LEA), Deaf and Hard of Hearing Itinerant, Special Education (when applicable) and General Education Teacher. Outside agency representatives and/or related
service providers may be included on the team. Related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy are provided to children when these services are recommended and considered a necessary support to the child's educationalprogram. The IEP team writes goals and objectives specifically for an individual child and is
developed prior to the child's entrance into the program. The IEPs are revised annually by the IEP team.

Program Philosophy
The philosophy as a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Itinerant for students who have a hearing differences is to provide quality education services in the skill areas impacted by the hearing
deficits in order to promote progress in the general curriculum commensurate with the students' abilities.

Program Description
The D/HH itinerant will travel to schools within the Four Rivers Special Education District which consists of 8 counties and 19 school districts. Consultation services to the teacher shall beprovided when appropriate. The program model for direct D/HH services shall be either pull-out
or push-in the classroom. Students shall participate in the least restrictive environment of classes where applicable.

When appropriate, the program will provide:
● Skills for independence
● Sign Language instruction, when appropriate
● Support for hearing assistive technology materials and devices
● Skills for navigating a hearing world
● Remediation skills
● Support for school staff and parents
● Case Management Responsibilities for IEP's
● Collaboration with Illinois School for the Deaf
● Support in academic areas affected by hearing difference

Please contact the Four Rivers Special Education District Deaf and Hard of Hearing Supervisor with any questions:

Emily Bergschneider 

Four Rivers Special Education District

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Supervisor

936 W. Michigan Ave.

Jacksonville, IL 62650

217-245-7174 ext. 271

ebergschneider@frsed.org