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:
Ingham ISD staff came together for Opening Day with a question: “What if?” As the district begins year two of its "Power of What If?" theme, the focus is shifting to student voice—and creating meaningful learning experiences by listening to the students at the center of the work.
At Heartwood School, there’s no expectation that learning should look the same for every student. Teacher Samantha Mulder takes us inside her classroom to show how communication tools, flexible spaces, movement and individualized supports help middle school students with severe cognitive impairments learn in ways that work for them.
