Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH)
Kalamazoo RESA provides a wide range of services for Kalamazoo County students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Our staff plan, coordinate and implement services for students based on their individual needs, while also working with families and school personnel to provide appropriate services, materials and equipment.
Our team works with you and your child’s school to ensure they have clear access to sound and communication.
Our Services
Hearing Evaluations
We conduct complete hearing tests at no charge for any school-aged child in Kalamazoo County when referred. There is no cost for testing – we provide free hearing screenings and diagnostic evaluations as a support to local schools.
Classroom Hearing Technology
If a student is found to have hearing loss, we help them access hearing assistive technology in the classroom. Our audiologist selects, fits, and adjusts these technologies to ensure every child can hear instruction clearly.
Consultation & Training
We coach students and school staff on the use of hearing assistive technology and improve instruction and communication.
Speech-Language Pathologists
The Speech-Language Pathologist works with students who attend the Total Communication Center-Based Program, while also offering support to parents and educators. The pathologist assesses the students' communication skills and how they impact their ability to learn in a general education setting.
Interpreters
Educational Interpreters communicate classroom information between the teacher, the Deaf/Hard of Hearing student and other hearing-impaired students according to their language levels and the goals outlined in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). In addition to the traditional school day, interpreters may also assist with extra-curricular school-based activities when appropriate.
Total Communication Program Teachers
The Total Communication Program consists of classrooms at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Teachers in these classrooms provide direct instruction through the use of the total communication approach which utilizes English, American Sign Language, speech, auditory training, reading, writing and assistive technology.
How to Obtain Services
Any Kalamazoo County child or student (typically ages 3–26) suspected of having hearing difficulty can be referred to Kalamazoo RESA Audiology. A teacher, or speech pathologist may initiate a referral for a hearing test; however, parents can also request assistance. There is no charge for any audiology services provided through KRESA for school-age children – the evaluations and school support are entirely free of charge.
- Complete our Request for Hearing Testing form or call our Audiology Clinic at (269) 250-9342. We will schedule an appointment for a comprehensive hearing test at our clinic.
- Parents with children under the age of five can make a referral by contacting Kalamazoo RESA Preprimary Evaluation Team at (269) 250-9670.
- Se habla español: Spanish-speaking families can call (269) 250-9342 and ask for a Spanish interpreter for the hearing test process.
Contact Us
- Location: 1819 E. Milham Avenue, Portage, MI 49002.
- Hours Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm. Testing by appointment.
For questions or to request additional information, please contact:
KRESA coordinator for DHH and VI Programs and Services
Phone: (269) 250-9485