Title: Itinerant Consultant
Company: Auditory Analysis Specialists
Location: Campbell, California, United States
Sandra Wright Sutherland, Itinerant Consultant at Auditory Analysis Specialists, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Sector.
Dr. Wright Sutherland has established a distinguished career as an itinerant consultant specializing in integrating children with hearing loss into mainstream educational settings, a field in which she is highly recognized. Since 2023, she has been affiliated with Auditory Analysis Specialists, where her responsibilities include reading audiograms, advising students with hearing loss on the support necessary for success in mainstream programs, beginning with amplification, connecting parents to health services, and reviewing reports to determine appropriate classroom placements and support services. Dr. Wright Sutherland’s approach is notable for its comprehensive focus on both academic and health-related needs, ensuring that each child receives tailored assistance.
Before her current role, Dr. Wright Sutherland was a publisher at Iris Press from 1996 to 2023. During this period, she oversaw the publication of various works, furthering her commitment to education and communication. In 2013 and 2014, Dr. Wright Sutherland also contributed as an itinerant deaf and hard-of-hearing specialist for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, providing direct support to students and collaborating with educators to facilitate effective learning environments.
Dr. Wright Sutherland also spent over a decade as a deaf and hard-of-hearing itinerant specialist in the Carlsbad Unified School District between 1991 and 2003. Her efforts focused on integrating students with hearing loss into general education classrooms and advocating for their unique needs. Earlier in her career, Dr. Wright Sutherland held a similar position in the Escondido Union School District, where she developed her expertise in mainstream integration for hard-of-hearing children from 1972 to 1985.
Leveraging an extensive academic background that continues to directly inform her professional practice, Dr. Wright Sutherland’s journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in art history, education and social science from the University of Michigan in 1969, followed by a master’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from San Diego State University, completed in 1973. She then pursued a Doctor of Philosophy in educational communication and technology from the University of Washington, graduating in 1989. This advanced study provided her with a strong foundation in both pedagogy and technology integration, essential for supporting students with hearing loss. Dr. Wright Sutherland’s additional credentials include certification from the Council on Education of the Deaf and teaching certification in various education specialties through the United Latino Students Association, enabling her to maintain high standards of practice throughout her career.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wright Sutherland has been an active member of industry organizations, including the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America and the Council on Education of the Deaf. Her membership in these associations reflects her ongoing commitment to professional development and advocacy within her field.
Beyond her work-related endeavors, Dr. Wright Sutherland’s civic engagement included sharing knowledge through publications aimed at improving educational outcomes for children with hearing loss. Her artistic pursuits have been equally notable. She has accumulated a portfolio of about 70 paintings inspired by experiences such as photographing bicycle racing events, particularly velodrome racing, which she describes as thrilling for its vibrant atmosphere. Moreover, Dr. Wright Sutherland authored “Deaf and Hard of Hearing Itinerant Consultation Guide: Tools to Help Understand Education of DHH Children in the Mainstream.” In addition to this guide, she has written four books.
Influenced by her father, a school psychologist who directed special services for army schools in Europe, Dr. Wright Sutherland was drawn to special education early in her career. She credits persistence, a trait instilled by her father, as central to her success. Looking ahead, Dr. Wright Sutherland aims to influence speech therapists’ understanding of how hearing loss can affect speech development. While not focused on legacy, she believes that both her writings and paintings will find appreciation over time and remains dedicated to making meaningful contributions within her specialty.
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