CARES Team Services

Consultation and Technical Assistance (TA) Services

The consultation and technical assistance services provided by the CARES team follows a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) model for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) services.

 

Tier 1

Core Universal Interventions
Core Universal Interventions

Consultants recommend and offer training to public school staff on these preventative and proactive interventions that should be available to all students. Consultants provide recommendations and accommodations to ensure equitable access.

Tier 2

Targeted Interventions
Targeted Group Interventions

All of Tier 1, plus consultants work directly with the school team on identifying access and communication supports to develop targeted interventions.

Tier 3

Intensive Interventions
Intensive, Individualized Interventions

All services must be noted on an Individual Educational Plan (IEP).

This model aligns with the Educational Service Guidelines for students who are DHH developed by the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE). The NASDSE guidelines were created in partnership with a project through the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

TIER 1 SERVICES MAY INCLUDE:

  • Communication with student team (e.g.school staff, clinical providers, student, and family)
  • Record review
  • Development of Technical Assistance plan
  • Review of school acoustic checklist
  • At-A-Glance student hearing profile information
  • Access accommodations and resources
  • Equipment troubleshooting
  • Team meeting participation
  • Self-Advocacy Peer Group participation
  • Self-Advocacy educational team resources

Services for Tier 1 are remote, and provided virtually.

TIER 2 SERVICES MAY INCLUDE:

Tier 1 Services plus:

  • Virtual/in-person support of hearing assistive technology selection and fitting
  • Monitoring and implementation of use of hearing assistive technology
  • Facilitation of VT Communication Plan
  • Transition planning
  • Increased meeting frequency and communication with student team
  • Virtual/in-person as needed observations

TIER 3 SERVICES MAY INCLUDE:
Tier 1 and Tier 2 Services plus:

  • Assessment selection and interpretation for educational teams
  • Monthly meeting participation
  • Increased assistance with equipment and/or clinical communication
  • Residential or day program consultation
  • Support for the educational team to access direct service providers including assisting in the selection of qualified candidates
  • Expanded training and consultation around best practices in DHH education

CARES continues to ensure equitable access for students with hearing loss in Vermont and assists in building capacity for Vermont public schools.

CARES specialized services include:

  • Psycho-educational evaluations.
  • Counseling through technical assistance consultation.
  • Speech and language evaluations for students who are DHHDB.
  • Support with understanding assessments for students who are DHHDB.

If you’re interested in accessing these services, please ask your CARES Team consultant.

COVID Precautions

There continue to be high levels of COVID-19 transmission in Vermont communities; students, staff, and consultants are all routinely impacted by COVID-19 and school quarantine/contact protocols.

In order to ensure we protect students, school staff, and consultants while also striving to maintain coverage for the entire state throughout the year, we will provide as many services as possible through remote/virtual technology.