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Tools and resources from outside sources do not constitute an endorsement from the NC Department of Public Instruction Office of Exceptional Children, but are potential tools for teams to consider.

Educational Audiologists are an integral part of any Local Education Agency and provide information and support for all students in a school district.

In special education, audiology is one of the 14 identified related services defined in North Carolina's Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities. Audiology as a related service includes:

1. The identification of children with hearing loss

2. Determination of the range, nature, and degree of hearing loss

3. Referral for medical or (re)habilitative follow-up

4. Provision of habilitative activities such as orientation to hearing assistance technology

5. Creation and administration of programs for the prevention of hearing loss

6. Counseling and guidance of parents, students, teachers and other school staff

7. Determining the need for hearing assistance technology, fitting hearing assistance technology, and evaluating the effectiveness of hearing assistance technology

If an IEP Team determines that audiology as a related service is necessary for a student to receive FAPE, the educational audiologist can support students and school staff in the following ways:

1. Provide in-service trainings for teachers and staff to learn foundational information about hearing loss including its academic, social and emotional impact on students

2. Serve as an IEP Team member who collects and/or reviews recent, relevant data to support recommendations regarding appropriate modifications or accommodations for students

3. Collaborate with external medical providers as well as teachers and professionals within the LEA (general and special education) for the purposes of promoting student access to a free appropriate public education.

Recommended professional practices in educational audiology pertaining to the services listed above may be found HERE.