Programs and Services

Services designed to help students with disabilities select, acquire, or use assistive technology that includes equipment and services that help facilitate better work, communication, and learning in general education classrooms. Nationally defined as, “Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability.”

KCS Hearing Department provides services and support to students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Our department includes Hearing Specialists, Audiologists, Hearing Technicians and Sign Language Interpreters.  The collaborative approach focuses on enhancing the educational experience by using specialized methodology, technology, vocabulary enhancement, and educational materials. Our department is committed to supporting the unique needs of each student in their least restrictive setting.

Audiologists

Certified audiologists provide audiological management of students with a hearing impairment (including FM Systems), hearing aid troubleshooting, in-services for staff, represent at student IEP meetings and coordinate with outside agencies. 

Hearing Technicians

Trained technicians work in teams to provide system-wide hearing screenings. Knox County Schools screens the following: preschool, kindergarten, second, and fourth-grade students. Along with completing regular screenings our technicians screen students as S-Teams, 504’s and IEP teams’ request. 

Hearing Specialists

Knox County Schools' Hearing Specialists provide services and direct support to students who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. Services include auditory training, academic support, and facilitating communication for students.

Sign Language Interpreters

Educational interpreters facilitate communication for students that are deaf or hard-of-hearing in academic and non-academic settings. Interpreters will demonstrate the ability to expressively interpret classroom content and discourse and the ability to receptively interpret information from the student in a variety of forms.

Specialized support services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is nationally defined as, “A developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction…that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.”

In Tennessee, ChildFind programs support the identification, location, and evaluation of all children (aged 3 to 22) with disabilities including those enrolled in public, private or home schools and those who are homeless, migrant, English learning, and/or incarcerated regardless of the severity of their disability. Parents concerned about a school-aged child’s educational needs should reach out to the zoned school’s School Support Team.

Early ChildFind programs support the identification, location, and evaluation of children, specifically those aged 3 to 5, to determine eligibility and need for special education services. A request for Early ChildFind referrals can be found here. 

Short-term placements for students with a physician's referral and a verified physical, medical, and/or mental condition that may result in absence beyond 10 consecutive instructional days throughout the school year.

Defined by Tennessee Code § 49-10-1101 as services for students whose “treating physician certifies in writing that…a medical condition…[prevents them] from attending regular classes.”

Homebound Program Information

• Homebound is not guaranteed, provides a minimum of 3 hours per week of instruction, and is assigned on an individual basis.
• Paperwork must be signed by a medical provider and will be reviewed by the Homebound department.

How to Start:

1. Complete the medical release form and return it to the Homebound Office.
2. The office will work with your child's medical provider and school team to see if homebound is appropriate. 

Questions or Interested in Teaching Part-Time?

• Contact Megan Greene or Mendy Williams to begin the homebound process.
• Email Dr. Daphne Odom to become a part-time homebound teacher.

As part of Knox County Schools’ commitment to inclusive education, the Occupational and Physical Therapy Department provides school-based services to students with identified special needs. Our services are designed to support students in accessing, participating in, and benefiting from their individualized education programs (IEPs).  Our licensed therapists and therapy assistants offer individualized, educationally relevant evaluations and interventions that focus on the skills needed for success in the school environment. We are dedicated to:

• Promoting student independence and functional participation in school routines to support a successful transition into adult life
• Delivering therapy services that are aligned with the student’s academic goals, classroom expectations, and overall learning environment
• Recognizing and responding to each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations within the educational context
• Collaborating closely with families, educators, support staff, and community partners to ensure a coordinated, team-based approach
• Maintaining professional excellence and adaptability in an evolving educational landscape

KCS Vision department provides services and support to students who have a visual impairment or blindness. Our department consists of Certified teachers for the visually impaired, Orientation and mobility specialists, vision techs. and Braillists. The collaborative approach focuses on enhancing the educational experience by using specialized methodology, tools, technology, and educational materials. Our department is committed to supporting the unique needs of each student in their least restrictive setting.

Braillist

Braillist are specialists that provide braille embossed materials as determined by the CTVI teacher and the classroom teacher. 

Certified Teachers for Students with Visual Impairments 

Certified teachers for students with visual impairments (CTVI) are assigned to provide direct and/or consultative special education services relating to visual impairments.  

Orientation and Mobility

Orientation and mobility services are part of the educational process that prepares students with visual impairments to travel independently and safely. 

Vision Technicians

Trained technicians work in teams to provide system-wide vision screenings. Knox County Schools screens the following: preschool, kindergarten, second, and fourth-grade students. Along with completing regular screenings our technicians screen students as S-Teams, 504’s and IEP teams’ request.