Elizabeth Tracy, DHOH specialist that has worked with students to help them reach their individual goals for over 25 years!
This month, GEF is celebrating differences and for Deaf history month (March 15-April 15), we want to highlight a GUSD employee that supports Deaf and hard of hearing (DHOH) students. Elizabeth Tracy is a DHOH specialist that has worked with students aged three to sixth grade to help them reach their individual goals for over 25 years!
Her favorite part of working with her students is the enthusiasm that they have for learning and the “aha” moments that they have while learning. She hopes that her students learn about their hearing loss, their equipment, and how to advocate for their own needs. There is a small population of students that are deaf or hard of hearing in the district so Tracy wishes for a library of books that future students similar to her students.
In regards to how individuals can help the DHOH community, Tracy discussed how important respect is.
There are different types of hearing loss, different modes of communication, and each Deaf/Hard of Hearing person is unique. It is important to not make assumptions; for instance, reach out and ask what they need in order to have better access to the conversation and then be willing to make those accommodations.
At GEF, celebrating our differences is the first step towards creating equity for all students to excel in school and beyond. Even with a small population, we want to support all DHOH students and help in the procurement of resources to ensure their success.