About Us
Working Collaboratively to Support the Education of Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Mission
The Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (RMTC-DHH) works collaboratively with all Florida stakeholders to positively influence outcomes of students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) in preparation for college, career, and life. RMTC-DHH supports families and school personnel by researching current national and state initiatives, by procuring interventions, curricula, and assessments, and by utilizing data to assist stakeholders in implementing instructional practices.
Who We Are
Established in 1978 by the Florida Legislature (section 1003.55, Florida Statutes), RMTC-DHH is an Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funded state project of the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), and operates through an agreement with the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB). The project provides statewide coordination for the delivery of specialized technology and instructional materials to students who are DHH, as well as training and technical assistance to educators and families of students who are DHH according to rule 6A.6.03013, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).
Vision
RMTC-DHH is an entity of deaf education leaders committed to effectively recommending and supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices to increase outcomes of students who are DHH through the building of partnerships and by working collaboratively with Florida stakeholders.
Who We Serve
RMTC-DHH staff members provide training, technical assistance, and resources to school districts, agencies, associations, families, and other state and federal discretionary projects working with students who are DHH in Florida.
Services from RMTC-DHH are provided by request and at no charge to the school, district, or organization.
RMTC-DHH is currently focusing on three major initiatives: Capacity Building, Inter-agency Collaboration, and Staff Development. RMTC-DHH also supports initiatives developed through the Florida State Board of Education and BEESS Strategic Plans.
RMTC- DHH supports the following State Performance Plan Indicators:
- SPP 1: Graduation Rate
- SPP 3: Participation/Performance on Statewide Assessment
- SPP 5: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Ages 6 -21
- SPP 6: LRE, Ages 3-5
- SPP 7: Early Childhood Outcomes
- SPP 8: Parent Involvement
- SPP 12: Transitions from Part C to Part B
- SPP 14: Post School Outcomes
Other Discretionary Projects for DHH
For more information on auditory-oral education programs or educational interpreting, please contact the following BEESS Discretionary Projects for support:
- Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech (Auditory-Oral Education)
- Debbie School (Auditory-Oral Education)
- Educational Interpreter Project (EIP)