Generally, TODs are responsible for monitoring hearing aids, cochlear implants, classroom (and virtual!) acoustics and personal FM/DM systems. In addition, they bring a unique knowledge of the development of language, listening, pre-literacy, and social skills for students with varying degrees of hearing loss. TODs will also work on developing self-advocacy skills and ensuring academic skill development and monitor the generalization of these skills into the classroom environment.
SLPs are primarily responsible for evaluation and management of speech, language and literacy. While each professional has areas of specialization, there are many areas of overlap. Children with hearing loss are best served when they have the advantage of services by both a TOD and an SLP. Both participate in IEP and 504 meetings and consult with the team to share their expertise.
Additional Resources:
Listening Fun: Role of the Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf: https://www.listeningfun.com/blog/itinerantteacherofthedeaf
DeafTEC: Itinerant Teaching: https://deaftec.org/teaching-learning/access-support-services/itinerant-teaching/
SLP. TOD. Ed.Aud, AVT – Who Does What?: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearingandkids/2016/slp-tod-ed-aud-avt/
D/HH and SLP: Services to Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and the Families: https://reg.abcsignup.com/files/%7B07D0901F-86B6-4CD0-B7A2-908BF5F49EB0%7D_59/DHH-SLP-webinar-7-17.pdf
