Regional Day School Programs for the Deaf (RDSPD)

Parents, private or public school personnel, or any other person involved in the care or education of a student may refer a student who is suspected of having an auditory impairment to the RDSPD.  Referrals may be made in writing or by telephone to the Conroe ISD RDSPD office or any special education department of one of the member school districts.  The following is required for consideration of the eligibility of auditory impairment (assessments must have been completed within the past three years):

• A report of aided and unaided audiological assessment by a licensed audiologist
• A report of otological examination by a licensed Ear, Nose and Throat physician
• A report of communication assessment by a Speech-Language Pathologist or certified deaf educator
• A Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) by a professional certified to administer assessment
• A Speech-Language assessment by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist

Any student from birth to 21 (inclusive) whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) live within the boundaries of one of the 9 member districts could be eligible for membership in the RDSPD.  Eligibility (as defined by the Texas Education Agency) is based on the type and degree of documented hearing loss as well as the subsequent linguistic impact and educational need.  Only the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee can establish a student’s eligibility for services, appropriate instructional arrangement, setting, and placement.  While educational placement of the RDSPD is made by the ARD committee, the location of its classes is determined by the RDSPD Management Board.  Currently, the RDSPD classes are located in Conroe ISD.

The RDSPD provides instructional services designed to meet the individual needs of all students at all ages and grade levels in a variety of ways:  a parent-infant program, site-based classes in the public school setting, and an itinerant program for students who are instructed on their home campus.  Development of audition, speech, language and communication skills are emphasized throughout the program.

The parent-infant program focuses on early intensive stimulation to facilitate the acquisition and development of early auditory, communication, language, speech, and cognitive skills. Services are provided in coordination with the local Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program. Parental involvement and training in the child’s home environment is the cornerstone of this program. Students must be registered at their home school to begin services.

The preschool program is designed to provide continued development of auditory, communication, language, speech and cognitive skills. In addition, pre-academic skills (i.e. readiness skills to prepare for reading, math, and writing) are introduced. Development of self-help, motor and socialization skills round out this interactive center-based program.

The elementary program focuses on the expansion of academic skills along with continued development of auditory, communication, language, speech and cognitive skills. This program is based in a stimulating and language rich environment. Students participate in general education classes (academic and/or non-academic) as determined by the ARD Committee.

In the intermediate and junior high school program, the emphasis is to enhance academic skills and begin to explore elective courses. Students will also continue to refine auditory, communication, language, and speech skills. Students participate in general education classes (academic or non-academic) as determined by the ARD Committee.

The emphasis in the high school program is to solidify academic skills and thoroughly investigate a wide-range of course selections required for credit in core academic, elective, and vocational areas. Auditory, communication, language, and speech skills are made stronger. The goal is for each student, upon graduation, to be adequately prepared for entry into post-secondary life in technical or vocational programs, junior colleges, universities, or immediate entry into the job market.

Students (three -21 years) who attend schools within their home school districts receive direct instruction or consultative services from a teacher of the deaf as recommended by the ARD committee. Focus is placed on the development of audition, language, vocabulary and/or communication skills.

Interpreter services are provided to students that meet eligibility for interpreting.  Students utilizing interpreting services are also provided interpretation for extracurricular activities relating to their IEP upon request.

These services include audiological testing, routine hearing aid maintenance, earmold impressions and fitting, provision of assistive listening devices, and failed hearing screening follow-ups.

Speech therapy is provided for site students through the RDSPD as recommended by the ARD committee. Auditory, articulation, communication and language skill development is emphasized. Itinerant students are provided speech-language therapy from their home district as recommended by the ARD Committee.

Oral and Total Communication philosophies form the basis of the instructional programs of the Conroe ISD RDSPD. The communication mode choice of the parent(s) of each student is honored and must be determined on an individual basis.

Deaf Education Staff Directory

Lora Ouren-DHH Specialist
louren@conroeisd.net
936-709-8225

Deborah Perrotta
Administrative Assistant
dperrotta@conroeisd.net
936-709-8230

Amy Jackson
Audiologist
ajackson@conroeisd.net
936-709-8204

Sara Covert
Itinerant
scovert@conroeisd.net
936-709-7228

Shelley Mathay-Harris
Itinerant
sharrismathay@conroeisd.net
936-709-8125

Meredith Falgout
Itinerant
mfalgout@conroeisd.net
936-709-8161

Kimann England
Itinerant
kengland@conroeisd.net
936-709-8180

Tammy Lucas
Itinerant
tlucas@conroeisd.net
936-709-8153

Breann Cruz
Houser Elementary
bcruz@conroeisd.net
832-663-4000

Shelly Kirby, Teacher
skirby@conroeisd.net
832-663-4000

Marianne Richenberger, Teacher
Houser Elementary
mrichenberger@conroeisd.net
832-663-4000

Jennifer Ruppert, Teacher
Vogel Intermediate
jruppert@conroeisd.net
936-663-4300

Sherri Henry, Teacher
Irons Junior High
shenry@conroeisd.net
936-709-8500

Angela Pavlock, Teacher
Oak Ridge High 9th
apavlock@conroeisd.net
832-592-5000

Houser Elementary
27370 Oak Ridge School Road
Conroe, Texas  77385-9042
832-663-4000

Vogel Intermediate
27125 Geffert Wright
Spring, Texas  77386
832-663-4300

Irons Junior High
16780 Needham Road
Conroe, Texas  77385
936-709-8500

Oak Ridge High School
27330 Oak Ridge School Road
Conroe, Texas  77385
832-592-5300

Texas Association of Parents and Educators of the Deaf

Texas Hands and Voices

Texas Deaf Blind Project

Information about Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education in Texas

Lora Ouren
DHH Specialist
Conroe ISD
Phone: 936-709-8225

Amy Jackson
Au.D.: Doctor of Audiology Audiologist
Oak Ridge High School 9th,
Conroe ISD
Phone: 936-709-8204