Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists teach functional movement skills, provide evaluations and therapeutic educational interventions in the areas of sensory motor development, movement and mobility skills, balance, coordination, and self-care. PTs design and adapt equipment to improve postural support, facilitate functional movement and increase independence within the school environment. A physician prescription may be requested.

School-Based Physical Therapy is designed to assist students in accessing the school environment and participating in class activities in order to benefit and be successful in the learning environment.

This might include…

  • Working on functional motor skills, balance and coordination
    to improve movement and mobility so the student can move safely within the various areas: bus, classroom, hallway, bathroom, cafeteria, doors, gym, stairs, playground
  • Helping the student learn how to safely use adaptive equipment such as crutches, walkers, gait trainers, wheel chairs, and powered seating systems
  • Helping teachers and staff learn how to safely use and assist students with adaptive equipment such as standers, adapted chairs and desks
  • Consult for facility planning and transition planning (work sites, community access and plans for after graduation)
  • Assist with development and training for safety and prevention policies, activities and procedures (e.g. evacuation, good body mechanics, health promotion)

Contact

Cassy Stidham
513.674.4265
cassy.stidham@hcesc.org

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists (OTs) teach skills in the development of fine motor, prewriting, visual motor perception, sensory processing, behavioral regulation, and self-help (feeding, oral motor and personal care). OTs provide functional educationally based evaluations, customize activities and provide adaptations for successful participation in the classroom.

School-Based Occupational Therapy is designed to enhance the student’s ability to fully access and be successful in the learning environment.

This might include…

  • Working on handwriting, fine motor, and visual perceptual skills so the child can complete written assignments
  • Helping the child organize himself or herself in the environment (including work space in and around the desk)
  • Helping the child stay on task
  • Helping the child learn to regulate behavior
  • Working with the teacher to modify the classroom and/or adapt learning materials to facilitate successful participation in the curriculum
  • Assist with transition planning and task analysis for work
    and community service

Contact

Cassy Stidham
513.674.4265
cassy.stidham@hcesc.org

Visually Impaired and Orientation Mobility Services

Itinerant Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) provide a wide range of services to students and school districts in compliance with local, state, and federal legislation. The teachers participate with district evaluation teams in qualifying students under state guidelines, assist in developing program plans, provide direct and indirect services, and facilitate appropriate materials for individual students. Braille/VI Para-educators support instructional needs under the supervision of the VI teacher.


What does a Teacher of the Visually Impaired do?

  • Interpret eye reports and conduct functional vision evaluations to help teams determine student qualification and needs
  • Help school teams to better understand how vision impacts student learning and assist in developing effective program plans including ETRs and IEPs
  • Teach students Braille and Nemeth code
  • Teach students to use low vision aids
  • Coordinate/order Braille or enlarged materials for the district in most cost-effective manner
  • Conduct workshops/in-services for staff on effective strategies for students with visual impairments
  • Train district staff to use district owned Braille production software/hardware
  • Produce Braille materials at Hamilton County ESC workstation
  • Refer to appropriate agencies for assistive technology evaluation

What does a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist do?

  • Teach students how to move safely within their school and community using spatial and environmental concepts and information received by the senses (such as sound, temperature and vibrations) to establish, maintain, or regain orientation and line of travel (e.g., using sound at a traffic light to cross the street)
  • Teach students to use the long cane or a service animal to safely
    negotiate the environment
  • Teach students to use remaining vision and distance low vision aids in order to travel independently

Contact

Jody Bailey
513.674.4402
jody.bailey@hcesc.org

Sign Language Interpreter Services

We provide quality sign language interpreter services to help ensure students with hearing impairments or communication challenges can understand instruction and communicate with teachers and peers throughout the school day.

Sign Language Interpreter

  • Provide quality educational interpreting using student’s method of communication (ASL, CASE, SEE, and Oral Transliteration)
  • Ensure that full-time interpreters have proper credentials and are credentialed by the Ohio Department of Education as an Educational Interpreter
  • Provide substitute interpreters who are qualified to meet student’s needs
  • Routinely evaluate the technical skills and performance of each educational interpreter
  • Provide technical assistance and support for interpreters and teams
  • Provide interpreter services for school-related functions (these services are contracted on an hourly, as needed basis)- After school functions including extracurricular student activities, programs, graduations, meetings, class trips, and more Interpreter services for deaf parents (parent-teacher conferences, special education related meetings and more)

Consultation Services

Do you have a student who you are not sure needs or would benefit from an educational interpreter? Hamilton County ESC has professional interpreters who conduct sign language observations and provide suggestions for educational teams.

  • Meeting with the student, teacher and family to discuss communication needs
  • Observing the student in a variety of educational settings and situations
  • Interacting with the student using a variety of sign language communication styles
  • Assessing current level of sign language vocabulary and ability to learn and produce signs for communication
  • Writing reports of observation
  • Attending team meetings to discuss observation and answer questions

Contact

Lisa Pugh
513.674.4283
lisa.pugh@hcesc.org

Hearing Related Services

Hearing Related Services provide specialized support for students with hearing loss to ensure full access to education. Educational Audiologists assess the impact of hearing loss on learning and collaborate with school teams to address individual student needs. Teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing bring expertise in deaf language acquisition, helping students engage with the general curriculum effectively. Itinerant teachers offer both direct instruction and consultative services to support students across various educational settings.


What does an Educational Audiologist do?

  • Complete audiological evaluations to determine range, nature and degree of hearing loss and/or provide interpretation of outside test results
  • Evaluate the student’s functional listening abilities in the classroom environment and determine any deficits in auditory access
  • Determine the need for HAT and provide selection, fitting and monitoring of HAT
  • Make recommendations regarding classroom acoustics to maximize the child’s auditory learning
  • Provide education and support to teachers and staff members regarding communication needs of the child; effects of hearing loss on academics and literacy; personal amplification, HAT and appropriate use of technology; modifications and educational planning/accommodations
  • Provide comprehensive on-site device checks for hearing aids, cochlear implants and HAT
  • Collaborate with outside agencies/managing audiologists
  • Serve as a member of the evaluation and educational planning teams for ETRs and IEPs
  • Provide information regarding eligibility, IDEA and Section 504
  • Consult on development of self-advocacy skills and listening skills
  • Provide counseling and guidance to children, parents and teachers regarding the impact of hearing loss in the school setting
  • Consult on newly identified and children with implants

What does a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing do?

  • Make key professionals aware of the student’s degree of hearing loss and its implication and effect on his/her language, speech and general academic ability
  • Instruct students using oral/auditory communication or total communication
  • Participate in collaborative consultation with teams of professionals who serve students with hearing impairments
  • Share knowledge about hearing aids, HAT (i.e. classroom systems for personal use, captioning, video phones, adaptive equipment, etc.) and language deficits
  • Recommend classroom accommodations that affect students with hearing impairments
  • Provide assistance in curricular or academic areas where a student is struggling using strategies proven to assist students with hearing impairments
  • Assist in the transition and self-advocacy training for students
  • Maximize auditory skills by evaluating the student’s current level of functioning and the accessibility to the environment
  • Conduct workshops/in-services for staff on effective strategies for students with hearing impairments
  • Administer educational and language assessments when needed
  • Serve deaf students with other special needs (i.e., intellectual disability, autism, deaf-blindness)
  • Work with students with cochlear implants and educate school teams
  • Continually assess and evaluate student’s progress and, through diagnostic intervention, modify the program when needed

Did you know?

Hearing and auditory function have a significant impact on the development and use of language and communication which can affect academic progress and outcomes for children. Educational Audiologists are professionals that support schools and students in the following areas: Identification of Hearing Loss, Assessments, Habilitation and Educational Management, Hearing Loss Prevention and Counseling.

We make your life easier by purchasing a variety of HAT equipment and renting it to school districts. We purchase HAT in a large volume and, therefore, secure better prices than that of an individual school district. We maintain, repair (and provide back-ups when repair is needed), restock and provide the required summer servicing to each piece of equipment. Let our experts help you to provide your HAT equipment in a cost-effective manner.

Educational Audiology services are required by IDEA for a child with a hearing disability. Only an Educational Audiologist can determine the need for Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) and provide HAT recommendations and fittings.


Contact

Jody Bailey
513.674.4402
jody.bailey@hcesc.org

Instructional Specialists

Let us provide instructional specialists in reading, math, gifted, and special education to your school(s). Each specialist is licensed and/or holds endorsements in their subject area(s). They provide individual or small group instruction utilizing best practices and research-based methods to your students in grades K-12 on a part-time or full-time basis. They collaborate and work with your staff as an integral member of your academic team.

Intervention Specialists

Intervention specialists provide direct and intervention services to students who require specially designed instruction. As the case manager of a group of students, they conduct evaluations and write reports, develop, implement, and comply with IEP/ISP goals, objectives, and deadlines, and work collaboratively with team members to ensure that student needs are met.

  • Available full or part time for grades K-12
  • Provide direct, specially designed instruction to individuals or small groups utilizing research and best practice instructional methods.
  • Provide intervention and tiered instruction
  • Case manager for students to conduct evaluations and write ETRs; develop, implement, and comply with IEP/ISP goals, objectives, and deadlines; work collaboratively with team members to ensure that student needs are met, IEP goals are taught and IEP provisions are followed
  • Knowledgeable and up to date on special education laws and policies

Gifted and Enrichment Specialists

Gifted intervention specialists provide challenging learning opportunities for high-achieving and gifted children. Upon screening and identifying these students, specialists design rigorous experiences that meet the unique needs and developmental characteristics of gifted children. By fostering higher level skills such as analytical, critical and creative thinking, gifted specialists strive to enrich and enhance the high-ability student’s education.

  • Licensed Gifted Intervention Specialists available full or part time for grades K-12
  • Understand the unique learning needs as well as the distinctive social and emotional characteristics of high ability children
  • Provide instruction in core subjects or in enrichment programming
  • Provide consultative and support services such as identifying high potential students; designing and evaluating effective programs; delivering high quality professional development to staff; and co-teaching with regular classroom teachers

Math Specialists

Math specialist provide direct instruction and interventions to individuals or small groups of students in the areas of math instruction as outlined in the content standards.

  • Licensed math educators available full or part time for grades K-12
  • Provide direct math instruction and interventions to individuals and/or small groups
  • Collaborate with team members to screen, assess, and develop plans of action to provide students with additional practice and/or instruction on mathematical concepts

Reading Specialists

Reading specialists are licensed teachers who have their reading endorsement. They provide direct instruction, intervention, and assessments to individuals or small groups of students.

  • Available full or part time for grades K-12
  • Provide direct instruction and interventions to individuals or small groups in reading fluency, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, phonics and comprehension
  • Provide direct instruction for writing content and mechanics
  • Assist with school-wide screenings and assessments (e.g. DIBELS, AIMS Web, MAPS, STAR, etc.)

Contact

Cindy Herald, Supervisor
513.674.4273
cindy.herald@hcesc.org

Autism, Social Communication, and Behavior Coaching

Our experienced autism and behavior coaches provide coaching that is individually customized to meet each district’s needs. Our coaches work with school teams to identify specific needs of the staff and students and then provide support in implementing strategies to address the needs which results in teacher and student growth. Our coaches address various areas with your staff and students including assessment, environmental supports and classroom design, curriculum adaptations and modifications, evidence based instructional methods, behavior support, and social skills programming. This service allows your school/district to have consistent, in district access to an autism and/or behavior consultant ranging from 1⁄2 day a week to full time throughout the entire school year.

Aiming To Build Capacity in Schools for Students with Autism and Related Challenges Tier 1 or Tier 2

ABCs is a unique, ongoing opportunity for teachers and related service providers, blending the traditional workshop style professional development with a coaching model. It is designed to build capacity in schools who serve students with ASD and related challenges. ABC allows participants to network, learn, and have follow-up support in the classroom.

Each cohort attendee receives the following opportunities:

  • Quarterly Professional Development Meetings that focus on a relevant topic
  • A one-hour coaching session at your school to follow up and provide additional coaching related to the quarterly topic (Total of four follow up coaching sessions)
  • Networking with other colleagues to share resources, ideas, struggles, and successes

Tier 1: Perfect for those new to working with students with ASD or those who want to refresh and examine their current teaching practices.

Tier 2: Perfect for those who have journeyed together through ABC Year 1 and want to extend their knowledge of evidence-based practices while receiving additional coaching.

Customized Professional Development focused on Autism, Social Communication, and/or Behavior Concerns

You choose the audience and the location! Our experienced consultants will meet your needs by providing high quality, practical professional development on a wide range of topics such as:

  • structured teaching
  • establishing communication systems
  • addressing challenging behavior
  • social communication
  • evidence based practice
  • assessment and data collection
  • environmental supports and classroom design/organization

Follow up coaching is available.


Contact

Mindy Fischer, Director Behavior Health and Mental Wellness
513.674.4296
mindy.fischer@hcesc.org

Assistive Technology Consortium

Assistive Technology logo

Assistive Technology Consortium

The Assistive Technology (AT) Consortium is a unique partnership between Hamilton County ESC and school districts as a cost-effective way to adhere to the IDEIA requirements for assistive technology. Federal and state regulations specify that each public agency shall ensure that assistive technology devices and services be considered by someone knowledgeable and considered for every student with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

Teresa Clevidence, Supervisor
513.674.4568
teresa.clevidence@hcesc.org


Membership Benefits

  • Experienced and knowledgeable assistive technology consultants who come to your school and assist your team(s)
  • Collaborative Educational Assistive Technology Assessments
  • Assistance with selecting and customizing assistive technology tools for individual students
  • Provide training to the student, school team, and parents
  • Access to current assistive technology topics and trends
  • Large group professional development trainings
  • Newsletters
  • Website with ready to use activities, device smart sheets, links, and resources
  • Access to assistive technology devices through the Assistive Technology Consortium Loaning Library.

Our knowledgeable staff maintain and provide the upkeep of the extensive up to date equipment library which includes items for communication, reading, writing, math, learning and studying, vision, access to the environment, activities of daily living, and social behavior. Allows for long term trials of items to establish adequate training, customization, and data collection to determine if an item appropriately matches the student’s needs; allows a variety of tools to be trialed before selecting the best fit.


Already utilizing the Assistive Technology Consortium and want more?

Our experienced assistive technology specialists work with you to develop a comprehensive training, assessment, and implementation program. This service allows your school/district to have consistent access to the specialist ranging from 1⁄2 day a week to full time throughout the entire school year.

Customized Professional Development focused on Assistive Technology and you choose the audience and the location! Our experienced consultants will meet your needs by providing high quality, practical professional development on a wide range of topics.

  • AAC
  • Assessment and Data Collection Switch Use
  • Core Vocabulary
  • AT Tools for Struggling Readers and Writers
  • Tools for Sensory Regulation 
  • Tools for Executive Functioning
  • Latest and Greatest AT Tools
  • And many more!

Contact

Teresa Clevidence, Supervisor
513.674.4568
teresa.clevidence@hcesc.org

Student Support and Intervention

Student Support and Intervention Services

Assistive Technology Consortium

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Attendance and Family Support Services

Coaching & Consultation Ongoing coaching and consultation with building administrators and attendance teams on use of data, adherence to attendance laws, and implementation of documentation ...

Autism, Social Communication, and Behavior Coaching

Our experienced autism and behavior coaches provide coaching that is individually customized to meet each district’s needs. Our coaches work with school teams to identify ...

Bilingual SLP Services

To fulfill the commitment to supporting the learning of all students who are English Language Learners, a bilingual speech-language pathologist is available to provide assessment, ...

District Representative for Autism and Jon Peterson Scholarship Programs

We can serve on behalf of the public school district of residence as the District Representative for students with special needs who access the Autism ...

Early Childhood Comprehensive Consultation and Professional Development

We can provide comprehensive consultation to district administrators and staff regarding all aspects of Early Childhood. Professional development is offered around state and national initiatives, ...

Early Childhood Half-Day Program – Intensive Needs

Early Childhood special education services are provided in a separate early childhood classroom. The program provides services to a preschooler with a disability who has ...

Early Childhood Half-Day Program – Therapeutic Needs

A trans-disciplinary team approach provides high quality programming and therapeutic interventions within a naturalistic early childhood environment for children with intensive needs in motor, communication, ...

Early Childhood Half-Day Programs

A trans-disciplinary team approach A trans-disciplinary team approach provides high quality programming and services all designed to meet the needs of the whole child. In ...

Early Childhood Itinerant Services

Early Childhood special educators provide support services to children with disabilities in Head Start, home, preschool, childcare centers, or a district site. Program Design Implement ...

Head Start

Click for New Enrollment! Head Start is a federally funded early childhood program serving children and families who are most at risk in the community ...

Hearing Related Services

Hearing Related Services provide specialized support for students with hearing loss to ensure full access to education. Educational Audiologists assess the impact of hearing loss ...

Home Education Notification Processing

Hamilton County ESC provides Home Education Notification Processing services for parents who choose to home educate their children for the following school districts: Finneytown, Northwest, ...

Instructional Specialists

Let us provide instructional specialists in reading, math, gifted, and special education to your school(s). Each specialist is licensed and/or holds endorsements in their subject ...

Job Coaches

Hamilton County ESC supports students with disabilities who are working on job and employment skills. Job Coaches will work with your Work Study/Transition Coordinator to ...

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists (OTs) teach skills in the development of fine motor, prewriting, visual motor perception, sensory processing, behavioral regulation, and self-help (feeding, oral motor and ...

Pathways Student Profile: Emily Boehl

Emily Boehl is a tremendous young woman that has spent the last three years in our Pathways to Employment program. Pathways to Employment is a ...

Pathways to Employment

Pathways to Employment Pathways to Employment is a unique, comprehensive program for students with disabilities, between the ages of 18 and 22, who need a ...

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists teach functional movement skills, provide evaluations and therapeutic educational interventions in the areas of sensory motor development, movement and mobility skills, balance, coordination, ...

School Counseling Services

School counselors provide a full range of comprehensive services to individuals and schools that focus on student outcomes. School counselors assist in the development of ...

School Health Services

At Hamilton County ESC we are committed to helping each district maximize health and wellness efforts for the benefit of students and staff. We employ ...

School Nursing

Nurses support the academic success of all students by helping to address existing and potential health barriers to learning. All Hamilton County ESC School nurses ...

School Psychological Services

School psychologists provide a full range of comprehensive services to school communities in compliance with local, state, and federal legislation. School psychologists utilize best practices ...

Sign Language Interpreter Services

We provide quality sign language interpreter services to help ensure students with hearing impairments or communication challenges can understand instruction and communicate with teachers and ...

Special Education Supervision Services in District

Does your district need a special education coordinator or director? Through collaboration with district administration, Hamilton County ESC supervisors offer leadership and assistance with the ...

Speech and Language Services

Direct, consultative, and evaluative services are available to children with communication disorders as they affect educational performance. Consultation and professional development are also provided to ...

Student Support and Intervention

Student Support and Intervention Services ...

TeleBlend Speech and Language Services

TeleBlend combines telepractice with periodic onsite visits, giving your students the benefits of both. TeleBlend has been created for districts who have students identified as ...

Visually Impaired and Orientation Mobility Services

Itinerant Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) provide a wide range of services to students and school districts in ...