For students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH), access to communication isn’t just about devices—it’s about connection.
That’s where Janet Mainz comes in.
As a Teacher Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Ingham ISD, Janet works alongside students to build confidence in their hearing and communication skills. Whether she’s collaborating with classroom teachers, fine-tuning accommodations, or cheering on student milestones, Janet’s goal is clear: to help every student feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Through trusted relationships and inclusive learning environments, Janet helps students:
Strengthen self-advocacy and communication strategies
Develop confidence in using hearing technology
Participate fully in both academic and social settings
But she’s not alone. DHH support is a team effort—one that includes speech-language pathologists, audiologists, hearing technicians, interpreters, and fellow consultants across the Ingham ISD region. Together, these professionals partner with families and local schools to ensure that students have the tools they need to communicate, learn, and thrive each day.
Because when every student is heard, every student can grow.
Recent Stories:
When school leaders work together, student voices grow stronger. Representatives from Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, and Shiawassee Counties recently gathered through the CARES Collaborative to meet with legislative officials and discuss education priorities, school funding, and the future of public education across the region. The CARES Collaborative—Capital Area Regional Education Strategy—was formed to strengthen regional advocacy efforts and ensure schools have a stronger, more unified voice in policy conversations.
Government can feel distant when you only read about it in textbooks. But for students in Spartan Project SEARCH, a recent visit to the Michigan Capitol turned civic learning into a real-world experience. From meeting with State Senator Sarah Anthony to observing activity inside the Senate chamber, students gained a firsthand look at the many people and moving parts that help serve communities across Michigan.
