Deaf Facility
The Eastwood Deaf Facility provides total access to a primary education for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and who meet the DEECD eligibility criteria (see brochure) in a fully integrated setting.
Underlining Eastwood Primary School’s commitment to children, the school established the first state primary Facility following a major review of education for Deaf or Hard of Hearing students in Victoria.
Eastwood Facility has specialist Teachers of the Deaf (TOD’s) who work in a close partnership with classroom teachers to deliver high quality learning experiences in a caring, supportive environment.
Teachers of the Deaf use spoken English, listening and Auslan to develop communication skills for each student. Signing is provided to students whose parents support this choice. Parents are fully involved in decisions regarding the communication method used with their child. Deaf and Hard of Hearing students are valued members of the regular classroom participating in a range of quality programs.
The integrated model brings significant benefits to every child in the school. All students are placed in mainstream classrooms with their hearing peers. The classroom teacher and a trained Teacher of the Deaf assist students to work to their potential within the classroom. Small group and individual withdrawal sessions also help support each student’s learning.
Eastwood Deaf Facility has regular visits from a Paediatric Audiologist. Through the NDIS, parents can organise to have visitations during the school day from Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and other support workers as required. The Teachers of the Deaf work with outside agencies providing resources specifically to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and their families.
Throughout the school, there are several Deaf staff members who are positive role models for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
If you require further information, please do not hesitate to send an email to the school and the Deaf Facility coordinator will reply: eastwood.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Teachers of the Deaf:
Tracy Allen – Facility Coordinator
Linda Lindsay
Nathan DeGoldi
Emily Rhodes
Amanda Crossland
Bethany Hooimeyer (Education Support)
Tegan Mays ( Education Support)
@ Copyright Eastwood Primary School and Deaf Facility