Deaf & Hard of Hearing Programs
Our Mission
The BCOE Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program is committed to providing students with access to linguistically rich learning environments that maximize each student’s potential; empowering them to become educated and selfdirected lifelong learners, and productive community members. We value partnerships with our students’ families and community organizations. Our goal is to provide our DHH families with resources, support, and knowledge as they navigate the educational system with their children.
Our Vision
The BCOE Deaf and Hard of Hearing program is a place where the diversity of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students is recognized and supported. All forms of communication and technology for deaf and hard of hearing students are welcomed and respected.
Who we SERVE
Who we SERVE
Who we SERVE
Deaf and Hard of Hearing services can start at birth and go through age 22. Our Early Start team supports students from birth until age 3 by providing special instruction in the student’s home/daycare care setting, that focuses on promoting caregiver-child interactions and supporting caregivers in learning new strategies that enhance the child’s language acquisition and development.
Our BCOE DHH program supports students from preschool to adult transition age (22) in our BCOE DHH program located in Durham. DHH itinerant services support Deaf/Hard of Hearing students throughout school districts in both Butte and Glenn counties.
Eligibility for DHH services and/or DHH program placement is determined by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team. Therefore, students/parents who are interested in enrolling in a BCOE Special Education Program must have a referral in place from their local school district.
who we ARE
who we ARE
who we ARE
Our staff provide students with direct academic instruction, language development, and auditory training, as per their IEP. We value communication skills and the development of American Sign Language, Spoken English, and written English.
- We monitor and maintain the proper use and functioning of hearing aids and amplification equipment.
- We provide students with ASL interpreter services, in order to fully access the general education content and related activities.
- We work to empower our students with self-advocacy skills.
- We collaborate with other professionals and families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the classroom based BCOE DHH Program Located?
The classroom-based BCOE DHH Program is located on the Durham Unified School District campus, which includes three separate schools: the elementary, intermediate, and high schools. All three schools are situated on one large campus and share a main parking lot, creating a close-knit sense of community among our staff and students.
What local resources do we support for our DHH students and their families?
Students being served by our BCOE DHH team have access local resources such as Chico Hearing Aide Center https://chicohearingaidcenter.com/ , Deaf Coaches through Nor Cal services for Deaf & Hard of Hearing https://norcalcenter.org/ , and Dr. Rachael Garcia Au.D. an educational audiologist and clinical practice consultant supporting school-aged children with hearing loss, classroom accommodations, and assistive technologies.
What DHH staff are available?
The BCOE Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program staff consist of:
| · Credentialed Deaf Education Specialists · Intern Deaf Education Specialists · Educational Sign Language Interpreters (ESLI) · Signing Paraprofessional Support Staff · Signing Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) · Assistive Technology Specialists (SELPA) |
· Other service providers as needed:
· Adaptive Physical Education
· Nursing Staff
· Occupational Therapy
· Orthopedic Impairment specialist
· School Psychologist
· Vision Specialist
|
Is transportation available for my student when they are placed in the DHH Classroom Program?
Transportation to and from school is determined but the students' local school district. Typically, districts will offer transportation to and from our program.
What is the difference between DHH itinerant services at the student's neighborhood school and attending the DHH classroom program in Durham?
DHH services at the student’s neighborhood school typically involve a DHH specialist providing scheduled support to the student and consulting with school staff about communication access, hearing technology, and learning needs. Attending the BCOE DHH classroom program provides more ongoing access to specialized instruction, staff with expertise in Deaf education, and opportunities to learn and communicate alongside other Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Students may also participate in general education classes with support based on their individual needs. The student's IEP team considers their language, communication, academic, and social needs to determine which setting and services are appropriate.
Do students need to know American Sign Language (ASL) before attending the DHH Classroom program?
No. Students enter our program with a variety of language backgrounds and communication skills. We support students who use ASL, spoken language, AAC, or a combination of communication methods, and help them build on their existing skills.
Can the program support students who have additional disabilities or learning needs?
Yes. We recognize that students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing may have additional disabilities or learning needs. All of our DHH staff collaborate with families and other specialists to plan individualized instruction and supports. Each student’s IEP team determines the services and placement that best meet their needs.
Will students attending the DHH Classroom Program have opportunities to participate in general education classes and school activities?
Yes. Opportunities to participate in general education classes and school activities are individualized based on each student’s strengths and needs. The IEP team works together to identify appropriate opportunities and the supports needed for meaningful participation, including ASL interpreter services in the general education setting.
Kristy Harrell
Early Start DHH Teacher
kharrell@bcoe.org | 530-433-2308
Brittany Allen
Teacher of the Deaf*, Deaf Education Specialist
ballen@bcoe.org
Stacia Isaacson-Dahlen
Teacher of the Deaf*, Intern Deaf Education Specialist
sisaacson@bcoe.org
Nicole Happich-Bowhall
Teacher of the Deaf*, Deaf Education Specialist
nhappich@bcoe.org
Holly Del Fava
Educational Hearing Specialist
530-518-9152 | hdel@bcoe.org
Brian Jones
D/HH Specialist
(530) 591-9502 | bcjones@bcoe.org
