Educational Placement - Deaf Education in Texas - Statewide Outreach Center at Texas School for the Deaf

Deaf and hard-of-hearing children between the ages of 5 - 22 continue receiving educational services in a larger setting. The student and parents/legal guardians should review prior IEPs and discuss language and academic goals, and placement options before meeting with the Admissions, Review and Dismissal committee.

Placement Options for Students between 5 - 22 years old are listed below.

Public Schools and Programs

1. Local Education Agency (LEA)

Local school districts may provide services directly to a student who is deaf or hard of hearing at the student’s local school. Services are provided at the student’s “home” school, meaning whatever local campus the child would normally attend based on their residence. Typically deaf and hard of hearing students who enroll in general education have a 504 plan or an IEP plan that supports participation in general education. Services can include participation in self-contained classrooms, resource rooms,Itinerant Services,regular education classes with accommodations.

2. Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD)

Throughout the state, RDSPDs provide deaf education teachers, interpreters, and other specialized staff to support deaf and hard of hearing students within identified public schools. Students who do not live near the RDSPD will be transported daily. RDSPDs vary in their educational approaches and language use. To enroll at an RDSPD, begin the process with the local school district and request an RDSPD placement.

3. Texas School for the Deaf (TSD)

TSD is based in Austin, TX, and provides an on-campus full day program for children between 18 months to 22 years old. The program specializes in deaf education and American Sign Language and English language development. To enroll at TSD, parents/legal guardians can begin the process by either:

Requesting a referral from the LEA or home district: Parents or legal guardians can discuss with the home district ARD committee to request a referral to TSD.

Requesting placement directly from TSD: A parent or legal guardian can contact TSD to request placement. TSD will then have an ARD meeting to decide if placement at TSD is appropriate.

Private Schools

Throughout the School Years

As the child grows, his or her educational needs may change. It is critical to monitor your child's educational progress, language acquisition, and any changes in communication preferences or skills. The 504 or ARD committee meets annually to review the plan and any new data; however, parents may request an ARD meeting at any time. During the meeting, the student, parents, and professionals may decide to continue with services as originally determined, or they may request changes in either services or placement.

To learn more about this process, review the Procedural Safeguards and the Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process.

Resources on Placement

Other resources relating to educational progress and placement determinations can also be found at:

Education for 5 - 22 Years Old

Throughout the School Years

Resources on Placement