New Mexico Collaborative Service Delivery Model for Students Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Unique characteristics of the Land of Enchantment Geography and size: 5 th largest state Demographics –36 th in population – is mostly rural –Cultural and linguistic diversity –Social economic and education realities

New Mexico’s Uniqueness NMUSA Below 18%12% poverty Non-English37%18% Hispanic42%12.5% Native Am.10%1% Persons per1580 sq mile

Overview of Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Issues in NM Systems (NMSD, PED, DOH, CDHH, BIA) Formation of the Task Force and its Report Educational Bill of Rights for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing NMSD’s Dual Role – its Vision and Mission

Current Initiatives Early Childhood –Statewide Birth – 6 –Public Schools and Headstart –Satellite Preschools/Kindergarten

Current Initiatives School Age –Educational Support to Public Schools –Center for Information, Training and Professional Development –Liaison –Student Evaluations

Current Initiatives (cont.) Projects –New Mexico Hands and Voices –Professional Development Scholarship Awards –Recommended Practices Materials –Communication Considerations IEP Addendum and Training –Outreach Evaluation Restructure –Support to Educational Interpreters –NBHS and Early Intervention Hearing Screening

Current Initiatives (cont.) Challenges and Gaps –Resources (staff and critical mass) to both rural areas and population centers –Measuring student outcomes of initiatives and projects –Education of general and special education professionals and families on the impact of hearing loss and the critical nature of intact language to academic and social success –Collaborative planning and decision making

Current Initiatives (cont.) Next Steps –Building Capacity –Strengthening Connections –Clarifying roles and relationship between PED and NMSD –Measuring outcomes for efficacy

Thank you!