Blind-VI and Deaf-HH Services

Resources for Professionals and Families of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH)

Published: 5/28/2024 9:06 AM
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This page contains a list of Kentucky agencies and organizations that provide direct and specific services to students and individuals who are DHH. The page also includes additional resources and federal policies and guidance related to individuals who are deaf or have hearing impairments. 

Kentucky Agencies and Organizations

Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD)​ Provides comprehensive educational services to all Kentucky students who are deaf or hard of hearing, birth to age 21.

KSD Outreach Services Provides information and resources related to hearing loss and the education of children who are deaf/hard of hearing. Includes information on the Lending Library, training, student events, parent resources and birth to age three (3) resources.

Heuser Hearing and Language Academy Provides early intervention, educational and communication services and support to individuals with hearing loss or speech, language and communication disorders.

Hearing and Speech Center Provides services and supports for individuals with hearing impairments in Kentucky. 

Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) Provides information, referral and advocacy services, and an interpreter referral service for state agencies. It also provides materials and products available for eligible deaf and hard-of-hearing Kentuckians.

Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Provides resources and services to assist Kentuckians who are deaf or have hearing impairments, in finding opportunities for employment and independence.

Kentucky Special Parent Involvement Network (KY-SPIN) Provides support, information and training to parents and families of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs.


Additional Resources

KSD Virtual American Sign Language (ASL) Resources Includes a list of resources that provide ASL technical assistance, classes and tutoring. 

Kentucky Virtual Library (KYVL) Includes a consortium of libraries and institutions that provide information and resources for all learners across Kentucky.

Deafness and Hearing Loss From the Center for Parent Information and Resources, this page provides information and resources regarding hearing impairments.

National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes Provides information, training and resources to improve continuing education, training and outcomes for individuals who are deaf.

Hearing Loss – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention​ Includes a list of websites, contact information and brief descriptions for organizations, agencies and corporations that provide information related to children with hearing loss.

Deaf Services Center (DSC) Provides services and resources for individuals with hearing loss or are non-English users to promote access to communication, services and events in the community.

Kentucky Hands and Voices Provides information activities and resources focusing on parent support, outreach and advocacy to improve medical and educational systems that serve children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Provides programs, information, training and technical assistance for professionals and families to help meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing students.​

Federal Guidance and Policies

Frequently Asked Questions on Effective Communication for Students with Hearing, Vision, or Speech Disabilities in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools​ Includes questions and answers from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), including different approaches used by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title II to support students with hearing, vision or speech disabilities.

Deaf Students Education Services: Policy Guidance, U.S. Department of Education From the United States Department of Education, this guidance is intended to provide state and local education agency (LEA) personnel with background information and specific steps that will help to ensure that children and youth who are deaf are provided with a free appropriate public education.

Meeting the Communication Needs of Students with Hearing, Vision, or Speech Disabilities Includes questions and answers from the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice regarding federal requirements and other resources regarding students who are deaf, hard of hearing or DeafBlind. 

Learn American Sign Language

Do you want to learn American Sign Language (ASL) but are unsure of where to start? Get started with the ASL Survival Kit​.
This resource is a collection of videos that have been created primarily for school districts so administrators, staff and teachers are given the opportunity to learn survival American Sign Language (ASL) skills so they can start communicating with DHH students at their school.

Shannon Sparkman
Office of Special Education and Early Learning
Division of State Schools
300 Sower Blvd., 4th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-4970 
Fax (502) 564-6470

shannon.sparkman@education.ky.gov​​


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