Communication Planning Guide for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Implementation Resources
The videos and resources on this page are meant to support the implementation of the Communication Plan and make the process more manageable for teams seeking this critical information. By following the timeline, data collection is dispersed over time making it easier for members of the team to collaborate regarding communication access across environments.
Planning for Communication Access
A manageable timeline of data collection leading to the IEP meeting.
Orient the Family
At an open house, parent teacher conference, or any time prior to the beginning of this timeline, explain to families what the Communication Planning Guide is and how they can expect to give input during the data collection process.
7 Weeks Before
Send a reminder to families regarding the communication planning data collection process. Send the form for Section 1: Language and Communication Modality Planning to the family and other educators and staff who will be providing information for this section.
6 Weeks Before
Send the form for Section 2: Auxiliary Aids and Services to the family and other educators and staff who will be providing information for this section. Check that you've received all data for Section 1 and follow-up where necessary.
5 Weeks Before
Send the form for Section 3: Expanded Support Services to the family and other educators and staff who will be providing information for this section. Check that you've received all data for Section 2 and follow-up where necessary.
4 Weeks Before
Send the form for Section 4: Continuous Communication Access to the family and other educators and staff who will be providing information for this section. Check that you've received all data for Section 3 and follow-up where necessary.
3 Weeks Before
Send the form for Section 5: Least Restrictive Environment and Placement Considerations to the family and other educators and staff who will be providing information for this section. Check that you've received all data for Section 4 and follow-up where necessary.
2 Weeks Before
Synthesize all data into the Present Level of Performance section of the IEP. Send a draft IEP document to the family for review and questions.
At the IEP Meeting
Review the data collected from the communication planning process during the meeting. With team input, edit as necessary and discuss any action steps that may be required.
Orient the Family
At an Open House, Parent Conference, or any time prior to the beginning of this timeline, explain to families what the Communication Planning Guide is and how they can expect to give input during the data collection process.
7 Weeks Before
Send a reminder to families regarding the communication planning data collection process. Send the form for Section 1: Language and Communication Modality Planning to the family and other educators and staff who will be providing information for this section.
6 Weeks Before
Send the form for Section 2: Auxiliary Aids and Services to the family and other educators and staff who will be providing information for this section. Check that you've received all data for Section 1 and follow-up where necessary.
5 Weeks Before
Send the form for Section 3: Expanded Support Services to the family and other educators and staff who will be providing information for this section. Check that you've received all data for Section 2 and follow-up where necessary.
4 Weeks Before
Send the form for Section 4: Continuous Communication Access to the family and other educators and staff who will be providing information for this section. Check that you've received all data for Section 3 and follow-up where necessary.
3 Weeks Before
Send the form for Section 5: Least Restrictive Environment and Placement Considerations to the family and other educators and staff who will be providing information for this section. Check that you've received all data for Section 4 and follow-up where necessary.
2 Weeks Before
Synthesize all data into the Present Level of Performance section of the IEP. Send a draft IEP document to the family for review and questions.
At the IEP Meeting
Review the data collected from the communication planning process during the meeting. With team input, edit as necessary and discuss any action steps that may be required.
