For a student to receive the services of an I.S.T.H. they must have an audiogram indicating an average sensorneural hearing loss of 30 decibels in both ears, and an educational need. This is assessed by A.H.S. and the student will be fitted with hearing aids if this is appropriate. The I.S.T.H. is a specialist teacher who has completed postgraduate training in hearing impairment and can offer assistance in many ways.

• To maximise the student's functional skills within the school, the home and the community through auditory skills training, communication method training, developing language skills, speech skill training.
• Assist the classroom teacher successfully integrate the hearing impaired child in the classroom.
• Provide professional development of school staff (e.g. Staff meetings, Grade meetings.)
• Act as a liaison person between the school and associated outside agencies egg. AHS, Deaf Society, Deafness Centre.
• Maintain accurate records of the students hearing loss and educational progress egg. Student profiles, medical information and school reports.
• Evaluate the student's educational performance, functional skills and monitor changes to the student's disability.
• Regularly report to the school, Learning Support Team, school counsellor and Special Educational Consultant at District Office through review meetings and reports.

Review Meetings are held at least once a year usually in Term 4. Students receiving integration funding in addition to ISTH support should be reviewed at the same time as the integration-funding meeting. ISTH should be involved with the school Learning Support Team meetings especially when the school has students with hearing impairment.

Maura Highfield: Assistant Principal-Itinerant Support Teacher (Hearing)
Base: Burwood Public School
Phone: 9745 4432
Fax: 9744 3613

Louise Cullen: Executive Teacher- Itinerant Support Teacher (Hearing)
Base: Busby Public School
Phone: 9607 7211
Fax: 9608493