Referral: Families, independent school principals, school district administrators and implant centers can request support for school-aged children who have received or are being considered for a cochlear implant. The team welcomes input and participation at the preschool level in order to facilitate transition into school.
Support may include the following:
 
Pre-Implant

• In collaboration with implant centre, consultation on implant candidacy for individuals, their families and educators
  • Current selection criteria for implants as per implant centre
  • Current devices available for implanting
  • Alternative devices available other than implants
  • Potential benefits from implantation
  • Commitment and support required for successful implantation
• Assistance in the referral process to the implant centre for evaluation of candidacy
  • Requirements for referral
  • Coordination of referral materials
  • Tracking of referral process
  • Notification of outcome
• In-servicing for educators of children selected for implant
  • Consultation on IEP related to pre-planning activities
  • In-service on device function and expected outcomes
• Monitoring of key dates
  • Upon request, attendance at turn-on date and report back to educators on outcome
• Consultation on IEP preparation if requested
  • FM and other assistive listening devices
  • Interfacing with other technologies (e.g., computers)
  • Classroom acoustics
  • Setting educational goals
  • Assistance with audiological and speech and language assessment

Post Implant

• In collaboration with the implant centre, mapping of the cochlear implant in the community.
• In-service provided on device function and troubleshooting techniques
  • In-service as needed for educators and parents
  • On-site troubleshooting of system that cannot be resolved by staff
  • Coordination and implementation of assistive listening device technology
    • Device selection and in-servicing of educators as required
  • Classroom acoustics evaluation and recommendations
    • Conduct assessments of the acoustic environment
    • Provide recommendations for modifications to improve acoustic environments and assist in identifying resources for implementation
  • Consultation on IEP preparation on request
    • Provide input into the IEP process to assist parents and educators with the identification and development of goals for the child
  • Assistance with key transition points in the students education
  • Consultation and mentoring in the following areas:
    • Preverbal behavior
    • Phonology
    • Articulation and speech sound production
    • Auditory skill development - detection, imitation, integration, discrimination
    • Voice and resonance
    • Reading
    • Language - receptive, expressive, pragmatics, syntax, verbal reasoning
    • Word-finding, vocabulary
    • Collaborative goal setting and review of communication plan
    • Demonstration: showing parents and school staff how to integrate techniques of therapy into the language and listening opportunities of a child's daily life.