Public Education Options in Florida
In Florida, there are many public educational options for children (3-21) who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf blind, which range from the state residential school (the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind) in St. Augustine to full mainstreaming in a general education classroom and many options in between, depending on the student's educational, communication and social needs.
General education teachers and teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing work together to meet the goals of the student's individual education plan (IEP.) Educational interpreters are available in order to facilitate communication. Educational audiology services promote access to communication and instruction through the development of audition and the use of amplification. Special projects funded through federal and state allocations address the unique communication and technology needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Useful links:
- Florida Department of Education
- Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services
- State Board of Education Rule -- Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing
- State Board of Education Rule -- Dual Sensory Impaired
- Procedural Safeguards for Students with Disabilities
- Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
- Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing
- Florida Outreach Project for Children and Young Adults who are Deaf-Blind
There are also some private schools in Florida which serve students through John McKay school choice scholarships.