American School for the Deaf

Description:

Founded in 1817, ASD is the oldest school for the Deaf in the United States. ASD’s American Sign Language (ASL)/English Bilingual Approach embraces all effective modes of communication, including ASL, speech, and writing. ASD’s mission empowers all Deaf and Hard of Hearing to become educated and self-directed lifelong learners.

The American School for the Deaf offers students a full range of programming from pre-school to twelfth grade. The school serves deaf and hard of hearing students ages 3-21, including those with additional disabilities, as well as offering alternative education for students with emotional/behavioral disorders in the PACES Positive Attitudes Concerning Education and Socialization Residential Treatment Program. Instruction is conducted in small classes with a variety of approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners. Other special services may include instruction in communication skills, speech, auditory training, speech-reading and sign language, cochlear implant support, counseling, occupational and physical therapy, sister school arrangements with local public schools, access to computer laboratories, enhanced literacy activities, mainstream opportunities, and a vocational program. All pre-K-12 curriculum offerings are based on the State of Connecticut Common Core Standards as adopted by the state Department of Education. A variety of extracurricular activities is offered to all students. The school also serves deaf and hard of hearing students in the public school system through the Outreach and Support Services department: providing teachers and teaching consultants, sign language support, interpreters, audiological support, cochlear implant support, counseling services, and more. This department also serves children and families through its Birth to Three program. All services available through the Outreach and Support Services department are provided statewide and beyond.