Educational Services

Mission and Purpose

At Texas School for the Deaf, the Education Services Team works collaboratively to strengthen students’ abilities, remove barriers to learning, and promote meaningful access to education. By providing comprehensive audiological, speech and language, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and DeafBlind services, we empower students to grow, thrive and belong. These services provide our students with the support they need to actively engage with their educational experience.

 

Audiology:

TSD Audiology provides expertise and services that promote learning, growth, and belonging in a sign language–based environment, centering communication, education, and identity.

Counseling: 

The School Counseling Program at the Texas School for the Deaf is committed to providing accessible, evidence-based counseling services that promote students’ social-emotional well-being. Through tiered support services aligned with current student needs, our counselors collaborate with families, educators, multidisciplinary staff members, and the school community to empower students to thrive as confident, resilient learners.

DeafBlind Services: 

 

The DeafBlind Services Team provides collaborative, specialized support for students who are DeafBlind or have low vision to build autonomy, independence, and confident participation across educational and community settings.

Speech and Language:

Speech-language pathologists at TSD are champions of language in all its forms. We understand that language is more than sound—it is connection, identity, access, and power. Whether through signed languages, spoken and written language, AAC, or bilingual approaches, we ensure that every student has a full, accessible language to think, learn, and belong.

As language experts, we see beyond hearing loss to the whole child. We assess how language is acquired, processed, and used. We design instruction that builds strong foundations for literacy, learning, and self-advocacy. We collaborate with teachers, families, and Deaf professionals to create environments where language thrives and students’ words—signed or spoken—are valued and respected.

Our work is rooted in equity and possibility. By providing early, rich, and continuous language access, speech-language pathologists empower Deaf and hard of hearing students to communicate confidently, achieve academically, and shape their own futures. We don’t just support language—we unlock it.

Occupational and Physical Therapy: 

School-based Occupational and Physical Therapists at Texas School for the Deaf support student access, participation, and safety in the educational environment by addressing physical, sensory-motor, and functional needs that impact learning. OT and PT services support fine motor and gross motor skills, mobility, posture, self-care, regulation, and participation in academic and school activities.

Through direct and indirect services, including collaboration with educators, use of assistive technology and adaptive equipment, and environmental modifications, the OT/PT team promotes student independence and meaningful engagement in school routines. Services are provided in alignment with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), supporting a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), from early childhood through the transition program.