Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources

SFUSD offers a continuum of services to support students who qualify for special education services under the category of deaf/hard of hearing (DHH). The type, frequency, and delivery of those services will depend on each child’s Individual Education Program (IEP).

How to Request ASL Interpretation Link to this section

If you would like to request interpretation for a student, please contact your child’s case manager, or SFUSD’s DHH Coordinator, Maggie Michels Espinosa at michelsm@sfusd.edu

If you are a deaf or hard of hearing employee, please submit a help ticket at eis.sfusd.edu

DHH Programs Link to this section

Total Communication

Cesar Chavez Elementary (PK-5)

Presidio Middle School (6-8)

The Academy High School (9-12)

Total Communication (TC) is a philosophy of educating Deaf and Hard of Hearing children that incorporates all means of communication: American Sign Language, listening, speech, natural gestures, body language, AAC, visuals, etc.

The goal is to optimize language development in whatever way is most effective for the individual child.
Total Communication is not simultaneous communication: speaking and signing at the same time.

Auditory/Oral

Lafayette Elementary (PK-5)

Presidio Middle School (6-8)

The Auditory/Oral approach teaches children to use hearing and speech to develop spoken language for communication and learning.

Deaf Plus

Francis Scott Key Elementary (TK-5)

Lowell High School (9-12)

The term Deaf Plus is in reference to a Deaf and Hard of Hearing child who also has additional disabilities. The conditions impacting these children are varied, including vision loss, Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual disability, etc. The SFUSD deaf plus classrooms serve deaf and hard of hearing students with significant cognitive delays.

Early Start

(Birth to Age 3)

Home and Classroom Based Services

Early Start services are offered through the SF County Office of Education to students who qualify as Deaf and Hard of Hearing from birth to age 3.

Itinerant Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Itinerant Deaf and Hard of Hearing services are provided by itinerant DHH teachers at the student’s school of attendance. ITODs support in academics, understanding of hearing loss, equipment use, and/or self-advocacy skills.

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation

ASL interpreters facilitate communication between the speaker and receiver.
Deaf and hard of hearing students need to be explicitly taught how to utilize an ASL Interpreter (how to position an asl interpreter in the classroom, the role of the asl interpreter, eye contact with the interpreter, etc).
ASL interpreters are not a substitute for deaf and hard of hearing teachers or deaf and hard of hearing paraeducators.
ASL interpreters do not teach language.
ASL interpreters are not language role models or a substitute for a deaf role model.

At this time, SFUSD contracts with non-public agencies to ensure ASL interpretation services are available to students in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs and for support of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing staff members.