20 Deaf Schools: Proposed Closings, Severe Budget Cuts, Some Not Severe
Proposals or Implementations of Budget Reduction:
South Dakota School for the Deaf: Campus proposed to be closed, its outreach services left intact.
Kansas School for the Deaf: Proposal $215,000 budget cut, $500,000 in 2010, school closing a possibility
Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind: Implemented 4.4 million dollars budget cut (90 positions cut)
South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind: 1.7 million dollars budget cut
Scranton State School for the Deaf: 10 percent budget cut implemented, proposal of school closing this June
Rhode Island School for the Deaf: $900,000 budget cut proposed.
Missouri School for the Deaf: expected one of the hardest hit, amount of budget cut not established
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind: $820,732 in cuts Veto by the governor announced yesterday.
Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing responsible for operating Governor Baxter School for the Deaf: Proposal of $172,000 budget cut this year, after $500,000 budget cut implemented last year
Utah School for the Deaf: residential placement for 18 students removed, its athletic programs eliminated, and an extended school program reduced.
Iowa School for the Deaf: $152,000 budget cut implemented.
Indiana School for the Deaf 2 % budget cut
Georgia School for the Deaf: 2% budget cut, approximately $130,000
California School for the Deaf, Riverside and Fremont Constructions of Career Center, technical education complex, and new dormitories in jeopardy. Budget cut, amount undisclosed this year, 10% budget cut last year
Virginia School for the Deaf, Hampton: To be closed this incoming June.
Idaho School for the Deaf, Proposal of $800,000 cut from 2010 budget.
Mississippi School for the Deaf: proposal of undetermined cut
Oregon School for the Deaf : planned merge with OSB
Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind: Proposed budget cut of 3.6 millions or more.
Commentary: There is some hope. As you can see, FL had a proposal of 820,732 dollars budget cut for its state school for the Deaf and Blind, but the governor vetoed it. If you want to help, please contact the Deaf school(s) and ask how you can help prevent the budget cuts from being implemented. Often contact to the governor of that state is necessary. This would be a good time for you all to flex your civic muscle and contact all your fellow alumni to urge them to contact the governor how important state schools are for Deaf Children. Numbers speak the loudest : the more people they hear from, the more they will reconsider about the budget cuts.
Keep an eye out for the news. There may be more announcements of Deaf school budget cuts.
However, there are several schools extempted from the budget cuts: Ohio School for the Deaf, Kentucky School for the Deaf, Louisiana State for the Deaf, Mississippi Schools for the Deaf More school escaped the pain of budget cuts, but I forgot to write them down as I was focusing on the schools subjected to budget cuts.
When you are in doubt, contact your school and see how you can help.
The list is constantly being edited due to new information. If you know of any new information, please let me know. Many thanks MZ
MZ
P.S. Here are the links. MZ
KSD: School for the Deaf on the budget chopping block
AIDB: Daily Home – AIDB announces over $4M in cuts, layoffs
SSSD: Rendell announces $289 million in spending cuts | News | thetimes-tribune.com – The Times-Tribune
RISD: ‘Fractured’ Deaf school faces its troubles | Education | projo.com | The Providence Journal
MSD: State budget shortfall forces hard choices for education, others
FSDB: Crist vetoes budget cuts | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal
GBSD: SCHOOL BUDGET CUTS FACE CRITICISM
USD: State agencies face layoffs
ISD: Schools prepare for budget cuts | GazetteOnline.com – Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
ISD: http://www.in.gov/sba/files/as_2009_whole.pdf
GSD: http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news921488.html
CSD: http://www.ohlone.edu/org/monitor/20072008/20080207/page6.pdf, Campus projects threatened by budget impasse | Inland News | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern Cal…
1/31/09 SDSD TownHall Meeting Summary (ASL) http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/40533/
2/3/09 SSSD Scranton School for the Deaf Closing?
MSD (MS): Public school districts may increase taxes | clarionledger.com | The Clarion-Ledger
VSDB, Hampton: WTKR NewsChannel 3: News, Weather and Traffic in Hampton Roads and North Carolina | State Terminates Programs At School for t…
OSD: State takes wrong tack with deaf, blind schools | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal, Students will suffer if schools combined | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal
For ongoing updates on the battle to block SSSD closing: http://www.sssdsos.org
Proposals or Implementations of Budget Reduction:
South Dakota School for the Deaf: Campus proposed to be closed, its outreach services left intact.
Kansas School for the Deaf: Proposal $215,000 budget cut, $500,000 in 2010, school closing a possibility
Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind: Implemented 4.4 million dollars budget cut (90 positions cut)
South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind: 1.7 million dollars budget cut
Scranton State School for the Deaf: 10 percent budget cut implemented, proposal of school closing this June
Rhode Island School for the Deaf: $900,000 budget cut proposed.
Missouri School for the Deaf: expected one of the hardest hit, amount of budget cut not established
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind: $820,732 in cuts Veto by the governor announced yesterday.
Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing responsible for operating Governor Baxter School for the Deaf: Proposal of $172,000 budget cut this year, after $500,000 budget cut implemented last year
Utah School for the Deaf: residential placement for 18 students removed, its athletic programs eliminated, and an extended school program reduced.
Iowa School for the Deaf: $152,000 budget cut implemented.
Indiana School for the Deaf 2 % budget cut
Georgia School for the Deaf: 2% budget cut, approximately $130,000
California School for the Deaf, Riverside and Fremont Constructions of Career Center, technical education complex, and new dormitories in jeopardy. Budget cut, amount undisclosed this year, 10% budget cut last year
Virginia School for the Deaf, Hampton: To be closed this incoming June.
Idaho School for the Deaf, Proposal of $800,000 cut from 2010 budget.
Mississippi School for the Deaf: proposal of undetermined cut
Oregon School for the Deaf : planned merge with OSB
Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind: Proposed budget cut of 3.6 millions or more.
Commentary: There is some hope. As you can see, FL had a proposal of 820,732 dollars budget cut for its state school for the Deaf and Blind, but the governor vetoed it. If you want to help, please contact the Deaf school(s) and ask how you can help prevent the budget cuts from being implemented. Often contact to the governor of that state is necessary. This would be a good time for you all to flex your civic muscle and contact all your fellow alumni to urge them to contact the governor how important state schools are for Deaf Children. Numbers speak the loudest : the more people they hear from, the more they will reconsider about the budget cuts.
Keep an eye out for the news. There may be more announcements of Deaf school budget cuts.
However, there are several schools extempted from the budget cuts: Ohio School for the Deaf, Kentucky School for the Deaf, Louisiana State for the Deaf, Mississippi Schools for the Deaf More school escaped the pain of budget cuts, but I forgot to write them down as I was focusing on the schools subjected to budget cuts.
When you are in doubt, contact your school and see how you can help.
The list is constantly being edited due to new information. If you know of any new information, please let me know. Many thanks MZ
MZ
P.S. Here are the links. MZ
KSD: School for the Deaf on the budget chopping block
AIDB: Daily Home – AIDB announces over $4M in cuts, layoffs
SSSD: Rendell announces $289 million in spending cuts | News | thetimes-tribune.com – The Times-Tribune
RISD: ‘Fractured’ Deaf school faces its troubles | Education | projo.com | The Providence Journal
MSD: State budget shortfall forces hard choices for education, others
FSDB: Crist vetoes budget cuts | pnj.com | Pensacola News Journal
GBSD: SCHOOL BUDGET CUTS FACE CRITICISM
USD: State agencies face layoffs
ISD: Schools prepare for budget cuts | GazetteOnline.com – Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
ISD: http://www.in.gov/sba/files/as_2009_whole.pdf
GSD: http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news921488.html
CSD: http://www.ohlone.edu/org/monitor/20072008/20080207/page6.pdf, Campus projects threatened by budget impasse | Inland News | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern Cal…
1/31/09 SDSD TownHall Meeting Summary (ASL) http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/40533/
2/3/09 SSSD Scranton School for the Deaf Closing?
MSD (MS): Public school districts may increase taxes | clarionledger.com | The Clarion-Ledger
VSDB, Hampton: WTKR NewsChannel 3: News, Weather and Traffic in Hampton Roads and North Carolina | State Terminates Programs At School for t…
OSD: State takes wrong tack with deaf, blind schools | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal, Students will suffer if schools combined | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal
For ongoing updates on the battle to block SSSD closing: http://www.sssdsos.org
January 29th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Okay…
I have a question. How did several schools gain the exempt status? So that we could help several Deaf schools to gain exempt status?
Thanks…
January 29th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Excellent job, MZ! I also found the same information as you shared, and you offered bit more than I could find!
Yes, I agree with you that we need to be watchful of what is going on out there.
Most of the state budgets are available online, and its easy to find.
Many other deaf schools are privately owned and have their own ‘endowments’ that can be significantly impacted based on their annual performance with the stock market. They can be affected too.
Unfortunately these privately owned schools usually are focused on aural-verbal approaches, and leaves with very few focusing on sign language instruction. Charter schools are hurting too but their money flow is different from the state’s budget.
What made me realize about one thing while I was researching (as you are too.. smiles) that there is a lack of information of schools providing services to deaf and hard of hearing students (state residential schools to large mainstream programs) are numbers of enrollment.
I checked American Annuals of the Deaf, and that information is not an accurate representative of the actual number of deaf and hard of hearing students. They depend on Gallaudet’s GRI survey, and that is voluntary data collection from schools and large deaf programs. Probably the best estimate is that they represent less than 30 percent of deaf and hard of hearing students across the nation.
Where is 60 percent go? These students usually are not on the IEP and placed in special education, or on Section 504 plans which does not require the school to report the number of students.
The biggest problem is the lack of consistent data out there. What I am seeing is many smaller deaf state schools having enrollments less than 150-200 students each, some are less than 100. Except for largest state schools with enrollment over 250 students (i.e. California Schools, Florida, Texas, Indiana, and etc.)
So many questions, and I agree with you that we need to be vocal in our state, and also we need to ask CEASD/CAID/Gallaudet GRI to get better data collection someway, somehow.
Perhaps, draft a Federal or State law for an accurate student count? Something to consider….
Thanks for sharing this report with all of us!
Amy Cohen Efron
January 29th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Also…
Check your state government, find out when they usually meet for passing/vetoing bills. Here in Indiana, General Assembly meets from January to April.
Also, ask about State Budget Agency in your state… and ask for their proposals and look it up for how much funding the Deaf schools are expected to receive. The State Budget Agencies usually make proposals and introduce them in December or thereabouts.
I can leave a link for SBA’s budget for Indiana : http://www.in.gov/sba/files/as_2009_whole.pdf and look at page 20. Look at the differences from the 2006-2008 and 2009-2011.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I wonder if Federal economic stimulus bill will save some deaf schools?
Georgia Economic Stimulus Bill
January 29th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
[...] Schools face budget cuts or closings Mishka Zena
January 29th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
And Virginia School for the deaf at Hampton
January 29th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Hi Mishka,
Great Information !!! I posted in DVTV exactly your message to my message about State School for the Deaf and Deaf Services budget cuts and close. See on ASLZOOM http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/40238/
Good Day
January 29th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Karen, I know for sure that Miss School for the Deaf and Louisana School for the Deaf were recently embroiled in controversies. MSD had a protest two years ago regarding the dismal conditions of its education and communication. LSD has a full blown scandal of persistent sexual abuses. So these programs are already being ‘cleaned up’, hence no budget cuts for these.
Karen, you are a gem! We need to know about these state assemblies!
Ben, ahh, yes VSDB-Hampton. I’ve forgotten all about that. It’s converted to special school for multi disabled students, right? Thanks. I’ll add that to the list
January 29th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
DeafHalibut, please do give me the credit in your vlog, so people will know where you got the information and also give them the link to this blog. This is the proper procedure. Thanks
Thanks for encouraging others to get involved and help out the schools with these budget cuts
January 29th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Good post… I let you know that Missouri School for Deaf will not close ever despite enrollment. They said that something do with Missouri Law to protect it being closed. I wish I could research good like you. You did good job on research. Keep up!!
January 29th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
congrats on your new site. so much easier now!! mwahs!
January 30th, 2009 at 1:49 am
St. Louis could see closing of over one-third of its schools (hearing public schools and plus one Deaf school: Gallaudet School for the Deaf). Gallaudet School for the Deaf will move to other elementary public school. go read that link:
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/education/story/C749CC4538E0380E8625754E001788D0?OpenDocument
January 30th, 2009 at 1:49 am
St. Louis could see closing of over one-third of its schools (hearing public schools and plus one Deaf school: Gallaudet School for the Deaf). Gallaudet School for the Deaf will move to other elementary public school. go read that link:
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/education/story/C749CC4538E0380E8625754E001788D0?OpenDocument
January 30th, 2009 at 5:33 am
Enlighten yourselves to learn about investments made by the Lexington-based foundation supporting Lexington Center for the Deaf (including the School for the Deaf). I read a report disclosed in the open. Some are eye-popping but whatever it takes to seek returns. I remember one entity invested in was Coors Brewing or something to effect. I might be mistaken but look hard into this and learn how Lexington resorted to real-world tactics as a mean of survival in tough economic times. Just like the Marriotts (though a publicly owned company) has alcohol and porn in their hotels. I’m curious as to how much, if any, Gallaudet lost in the biggest scam in investment history (Madoff and his kind). This information needs to be known.
January 30th, 2009 at 11:46 am
I learned from the Pennsylvania Department of Education about Scranton State School Deaf. The budget cut was mainly targeted on the open staff spaces (held positions as well) that were not currently filled. That accounted for the funding cuts SSSD did receive. Meaning that this year SSSD will survive.
January 30th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Opps on the dashes above.
January 30th, 2009 at 11:51 am
The Pennsylvania Department of Education mentioned that Scranton State School Deaf had open staff spaces (held positions as well) that were not currently filled. That accounted for the funding cuts SSSD did received. Meaning that SSSD will survive this year.
January 30th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
The discussions above about budget cuts for deaf schools and the closures will send kids to mainstream schools. The mainstream schools do not usually send students to Gallaudet University thus Gallaudent will have the budget cuts, too. Federal counts the body for getting Federal funds to support the education needs and maintenaces at Gallaudet. That can lead to the closure of Gallauadet University, too, It can be the chain reaction from one to other. Lets’ cherish the deaf schools as well as Gallaudet Univ. and the education for the deaf across the USA.
January 30th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Please keep all deaf schools as little childern need deaf school for the future .
January 30th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
California School for the Deaf: Constructions of Career Center, technical education complex, and new dormitories in jeopardy. Budget cut, amount undisclosed this year, 10% budget cut last year
I don’t know about Fremont… I don’t think CSD Fremont has anything to built new building but our school, CSD Riverside do have some facilities to be built. CSDR are now in jeopardy with current construction for Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC) and several new cottages (dormitories). MAC supposed to be completed by Spring 2009. 4 cottages are supposed to be completed by Summer 2009. We’re supposed to have new Gymnasium (after MAC is completed and open), Career and Technical Education as well more additional cottages for elementary & middle school are jeopardized.
Our current construction areas will be covered with blue thing to protect the building structure from weather until futher notice.
CSDR is in mess.
January 31st, 2009 at 2:18 am
I wish to point out that there in fact certain people (especially athletically and ego motivated) from few state-run deaf schools who deliberately hope for severely bad news affecting other deaf schools so that way the few certain people’s associated deaf schools gain students from deaf schools affected by bad news. That’s the richer and poorer dynamic at its worst. This is why few deaf schools are thriving while the rest are struggling. This is why the deaf schools sports scene is extremely watered-down beyond recognition (compared to heydays (rubella and before). Yes, I know this statement is so brutal. I just had to point this out to be fair. I have to take exception to Model Secondary School for the Deaf due to their status. They have to serve many who were failed in their home states. Other than MSSD just beware of ego-motivated opportunists in certain places.
January 31st, 2009 at 2:39 am
For Amy: what CEASD/CAID/Gallaudet GRI???? {seesmic_video:{“url_thumbnail”:{“value”:”http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/MQ4yKvTSJz_th1.jpg”}”title”:{“value”:”For Amy: what CEASD/CAID/Gallaudet GRI???? ”}”videoUri”:{“value”:”http://www.seesmic.com/video/1MecX8YrJn”}}}
January 31st, 2009 at 6:25 am
Let a deaf child be in school for the deaf, not a deaf child outside the world. Its a crime
January 31st, 2009 at 7:02 am
How do we get emailing of your new blog postings, Misha? I get one from Geo but can’t seems to find the button on your page to do so? I love reading your blogs as it very informative, educational and thought provoking. I don’t have the time to remember to come back to your blog to check if there is a new posting so emails work great for me in getting them sent directly to my ebox for update readings as they are posted. Thanks!
January 31st, 2009 at 7:38 am
YIKES! Time to jump on that advocacy wagon again, not that we parents should ever be off it anyway. We just moved 700 miles so our daughter could attend this Deaf School and I know many others relocate for the same opportunity. It’s as much on our shoulders to push, prod, cajole and make our voices heard as it is the school officials. Don’t relax and leave it someone else, Moms and Dads. No one, hearing or Deaf, has your child’s best interests at heart more than you do. Research, Be Heard, and Fight for Your CHild’s Education!
Thanks so much for publishing this!
January 31st, 2009 at 8:54 am
Why would our Government, the USA, keep our Deaf Children From Learning, when we give wverything to illegal immigrants who have never, never ever put one penny into the USA system. This Government is going downhill, and it is going to be worst. It is ASHAME of this Government. All the Stimulus package is going into our Politiom pocket. Everyone of them has become an Millioaire since they got in Office and getting Richer. It was a BAD DAY when Hussein Obama got in Office.
January 31st, 2009 at 10:56 am
This is good to know what’s going on yet state association (NAD chapters) need to wake up and smell coffee!!
hola
January 31st, 2009 at 11:35 am
SAD FOR DEAF CHILDREN, CUZ THEY WILL BE SUFFER.
January 31st, 2009 at 11:52 am
Friday, 1-30-09 the executive Appropriations Committee redused USDB’s original cut from 1.8 mil to 916,000. It looks at this time no current jobs will be cut nor will be forced to cut programs. Budget year 2010 is another question. The projected cuts are still at 15%.
There is a bill concerning to organizational structure of USDB, definitions, etc., to modify state law. I have not seen the revised copy yet so I can’t comment further.
January 31st, 2009 at 12:42 pm
go and ask stock market and banker who makes million of dollars bonus! They ought to help if not, shame on them.
January 31st, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Very nice research — but scary. Add to the list, the new building approved for the Delaware School for the Deaf has been postponed due to the economy, although the school itself is well supported by the state and local school districts. They do recognize its value. It is not true that all of the private schools are oral-aural. For example, TLC, PSD, WPSD, and ASD, to mention just a few, are all bilingual schools and participate in the CAEBER ASL/English training. Those schools, which are state-supported private schools, are also quite healthy right now, with stable enrollments. Nice dialog!
January 31st, 2009 at 5:28 pm
#21 COMMENT YOUR OPINION HAS A GOOD POINT OF VIEW WHAT THAT MAKES ME SENSE. PROBABLY YOU ARE RIGHT.. I AM NOT SURPRISE TO READ ANY COMMENTS FROM THIS. I AM DISAPPOINT ABOUT MOST HEARING PARENTS WITH CI CHILDREN SEND TO MAINSTREAM SCHOOLS BUT THEY DON’T WANT TO DEAF SCHOOLS. OF COURSE THEY MAKE SAD….
January 31st, 2009 at 5:54 pm
WE ARE VERY SAD AND SORROW THAT MANY DEAF SCHOOL IS CLOSE… MY HUBBY GOES TO NEW JERSEY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF IN TRENTON, NJ (MKSD) AND I ATTEND AT WPSD IN PITTSBURGH, PENNA AND WE LOVE DEAF SCHOOL VERY MUCH IT IS LIKE PRIVATE SCHOOL AND MANY WERE LIKE BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO US WE MISS THE SCHOOL VERY MUCH……
I KNEW THAT NEW PRESDIENT BARACK OBAMA KNEW SIGN LANGUAGE AND CAN SAY ILY IN SIGN LANGAUGE HE HAD FREINDS AT DEAF SCHOOL…
WE ALL DEAF WHO ATTEND AND GRADUATE FROM DEAF SCHOOL AND WE SHOULD WRITE LETTERS TO OBAMA TO SUPPORT TO KEEP OPEN ALL DEAF SCHOOLS IN THE NATION AND ALL DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING CHIILDREN CAN WRITE LETTERS TO NEW PRESDIENT OBAMA AND IF THERE ARE THOUSANDS LETTERS TO PLEASE KEEP ALL DEAF SCHOOL TO OPEN AND MAKE MAINSTREAM SCHOOL TO CLOSE MIOST MAINSTREAM KIDS ARE LAZY AND NOT ATTENTION TO THEIR TEACHERS THEY ARE BORING AND CANT READ TOO PLEASE FIGHT AND WRITE LETTERS TO ALL GOVERNOR AND PRESEIDNT TO KEEP DEAF SCHHOL TO OPEN AGAIN DONT GIVE UP GOD BLESS U SMILE LINDA GARDINER
January 31st, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Ohhh man!! Alot of people were laid off from their jobs lately.
Many stores are closing across this country.
Now…..deaf schools?
What’s next!?!?
As for deaf schools, I really wish all the governments would consider to keep them opening. I can understand some budgets are cutting a bit, that that doesn’t mean they have to be closed. Just think of deaf children in the future. Meaning, your children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. I cherish them and all the deaf schools.
February 1st, 2009 at 1:33 am
I THINK…. THAT THEY SHOULD LEAVE THE DEAF SCHOOLS ALONE AND CONCENTRATE ON THE HEARING PUBLIC SCHOOLS… THERE ARE SO MANY FOR EACH TOWN AND IF U REALLY LOOK AT IT THEY ARE BUILDING MORE AND MORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS… BUT… ONLY ONE DEAF SCHOOL FOR EACH STATE OR SOME STATES… WONDER…. EVER THOUGHT OF IT??? IS IT ASKING TOO MUCH TO LEAVE THE DEAF SCHOOLS ALONE? ONE FOR EACH STATE COMPARED TO MANY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR EACH TOWN WITH IN THE STATE… IS THAT BEING FAIR TO DEAF CHILDREN WHO REALLY NEED ONE ON ONE BASIS AND ALSO DEAF EDUCATION… THEY ARE TAUGHT MORE THAN JUST TO LEARN TO READ ETC… THEY ARE TAUGHT HOME LIFE…WHICH IS SOMETHING PUBLIC SCHOOLS DO NOT OFFER… OFTEN SOME TIMES A HEARING PARENT DOES NOT GRASP THE SITUATON ON HOW TO TEACH OR GET ACROSS TO A DEAF CHILD … THE CHILD LEARNS THAT IN A DEAF SCHOOL… QUESTION….. ARE OUR DEAF SCHOOLS IMPORTANT AND NEEDED… THE ANSWER SORRY TO SAY IS YES…. THEY BENIFIT THE DEAF CHILD IN MORE WAYS THAN A HEARING PERSON REALIZES… AND HELPS THE DEAF CHILD TO GRADUATE AND GET AHEAD IN THE WORLD…MAIN STREAM … IS NOT THE ANSWER… FOR A DEAF CHILD THEY NEED MORE THAN MAIN STREAM CAN OFFER… DEAF CULTURE IS BEING STOLEN FROM DEAF CHILDREN WHEN THEY ARE REQUIRED TO BE SHOVED IN MAIN STREAM SCHOOLS… NO… THAT IS NOT THE ANSWER.HEARING PEOPLE OF TODAY NEED TO BE EDUCATED IN WAYS OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING AND TO REALIZE MONEY IS NOT IMPORTANT BUT TO SAVE THE CHILD SO THE CHILD WILL HAVE A BETTER FUTURE…WONDER… ARE U FOR THE CHILD OR IS MONEY MORE IMPORTANT TO U? MONEY WILL BE GONE BUT THE CHILD WILL STILL BE THERE IN THE FUTURE.. WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT TO A CHILD..I AM ALL FOR KEEPING THE SCHOOLS OPEN… I HAVE FOUGHT FOR MY DEAF SCHOOL.. PLS SPEAK OUT … LET PEOPLE KNOW AND REALIZE THAT OUR SCHOOLS ARE NEEDED… STOP GIVING IN AND LETTING HEARING PEOPLE CONTROL THESE CHILDREN AND THEIR FUTURE.
YES …. YES …. THE DEAF SCHOOLS ARE NEEDED.. AND SHOULD BE FUNDED ACCORDINGLY… I SEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TORN DOWN WHEN THE SCHOOL IS STILL IN VERY GOOD CONDITION… JUST TO BE BUILDING A LARGER NICER SCHOOL… THAT COST MONEY… WHY NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE AND USE THE DEAF SCHOOL AS IT IS NEEDED.. AND STOP PLAYING WITH OUR DEAF CHILDRENS LIVES AND THE LIVES OF THE DEAF FAMILIES…
THANK U FOR READING THIS I HOPE U WILL THINK AGAIN… AND FIGHT… FIGHT… FOR OUR CHILDRENS AND OUR FUTURE.. IN LIFE.
THANK YOU.
February 1st, 2009 at 5:57 am
ever since when the schools are closing go to the neighboring states where the school are open, so that is the way they can stay alive for the child’s eduation. that would be good for the child to join the sports to keep them active.
February 1st, 2009 at 8:19 am
Dennis Bacon Says:
January 29th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
“I let you know that Missouri School for Deaf will not close ever despite enrollment. They said that something do with Missouri Law to protect it being closed.”
Where is that information from? I tried google that but no information? Can you share with us, please?
February 1st, 2009 at 8:57 am
Where is NAD when 4 schools closed the past 10 years? NAD never attended to contacted those schools to try and save them.
Maybe it’s time for new leadership?
February 1st, 2009 at 9:37 am
Well, it is sadly news. I am NAD watcher for 9 years. NAD should be blamed itself for having failure to protect Deaf schools. NAD always focus on ADA than Civil Rights Laws too much. Frankly, AG Bell has been underground hands to the greed political governments in the each of the states to demolish the deaf schools by good excuse of the short budges in USA. AG Bell is definitely “Devil’s Advocates”.
NAD caused Deaf paeople’s rights becoming more weakness. WAKE UP!!! before too late.
Thanks,
James
February 1st, 2009 at 9:40 am
i been jane brooks school for long time and i heard that jane brook school planning closxed i wonder is it or not thank you let me know sherri dixon
February 1st, 2009 at 11:04 am
February 1, 2009
I feel very badly about the proposed closings of some deaf schools. Deaf school officials need to campaign actively to save their schools because I am seeing many deaf children suffering in the public schools due to inadequate support services.
Ohio School for the Deaf and Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf are thriving because the superintendents of these schools are smart to allow local and state legislators have their meetings at their school. Perhaps the administrators of the deaf schools should think of inviting local and state legislators to their schools and take them on a tour of the campus buildings and get to know of the school’s goals and objectives.
February 1st, 2009 at 1:44 pm
According to Steve Longo’s comment, I am wondering if NAD could have any say in the threatening closures of Deaf schools? From what I understand, the state governments have more sways over how to budget over any schools, so will NAD have any power in working with state governments? That would mean due process, blah blah…
Just wondering….
February 1st, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Wondering if the NAD Conf or DBC Conf do offer any workshops for any ASL educators to earn CEUs???? I already know that AG Bell conference seems more successful so far to provide any workshops to earn CEU’s:
AAA CEU
$15.00 AG Bell will file your earned CEUs with the American Academy of Audiology
Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 7:00 AM
ASHA CEU
$15.00 AG Bell will file your earned CEUs with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association
Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 7:00 AM
LSLS CE-Credit
$15.00 AG Bell will provide a certificate for your earned CEUs in the LSLS Techniques and Procedures and LSLS Related Activities
Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Certificate of Learning
$15.00 AG Bell will provide a formal certificate listing your earned education hours for teachers or other who require it for state certification/licensure.
Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 7:00 AM
February 1st, 2009 at 2:14 pm
For your information, MSD is not that bad at this moment.. But all I know MSD will not closed if there r only one student.. So Im not worried about that…
Have nice day…
February 1st, 2009 at 3:08 pm
About subscriptions to this blog, this is what my friend has to say:
Tell them to look in the URL bar.. they will see an orange or blue box
with white curves and dot… click on that. That is the RSS box, and
will enable them to subscribe to your blog.
But that won’t email them the posts. They have to get a blog reader. I
suggest bloglines – http://www.bloglines.com/
February 1st, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Several of you are accusing NAD, which is fundamentally unfair, in my opinion This is not under the jurisdiction of NAD as it is a state issue, not a national issue. NAD is responsible for advocacy on the national level, like captioning, communication accessibility, national bills, etc.
You should be examining closely why the state associations for the deaf isn’t offering its assistance.
Why are you so quick to blame NAD? I saw the same attitude last year, blaming NAD for not doing anything when the students protested in their schools, when the the particular state’s association of the deaf should have stepped in and offered its assistance.
February 1st, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Someone from MSD Says:
February 1st, 2009 at 2:14 pm
“For your information, MSD is not that bad at this moment.. But all I know MSD will not closed if there r only one student.. So Im not worried about that…”
How can be other states Deaf schools make that law? Can you tell us HOW? Will there be more huge budget cuts if there are only one student in a whole large beautiful MSD campus property?
February 1st, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Hello,
I urge all individuals that have any interest at all in schools for the deaf to get the word out to the states that these budget cuts will be harmful to our students’ education.
The idea that deaf and hard of hearing children can receive an appropriate education in an inclusive environmentis outrageous.
Our parents have had to fight to get their kids in the school for the deaf. Now, these same parents will have to fight to keep them there.
Monita Hara, SSSD Superintendent
February 1st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
PS:
Governor Rendell will announce his budget plans on Feb. 4th. SSSD was cut $761,000 this school year already. I pray that there will be no more “blood letting.”
Monita Hara
February 1st, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I believe that you all Deaf people should take real actions into saving our Deaf schools as no matter where it is, still we all Deaf people should be able to show our powers to save them all in any states. NAD have a lot of supports in many areas to help and education people in this world to understand in us and in our Deaf children their needs then why cannot we Deaf people do ssame thing than to keep our fatty in our lazy chairs sitting and do nothing to lose any of these Deaf schools?? Think it over….
Thanks….
February 2nd, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Well, after read most of comments. We need to open our eyes. We are experiencing financial crisis at this time. Who should we blame, the Politicians. They are scumbags. For those some people are not worrying about Missouri School for the Deaf being closed. I believe it will be closed some day. Right now, they are target for budget cut and not fill the positions in. The enrollements has downsize for the last few years. I believe the state will either opt to close the school or severely budget cut. Again, Like I said in the begin that we need to be prepare for the worst. Right now, many employers are laid off, closing businesses and budget cuts everywhere in our nation. Yes, it is very sad to see all of this happening to our country, children and future.
February 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 pm
FYI- SSSD (Scranton) is facing a precarious future with a planned 40% (approximately $3 million) budget cut in the summer…
XXXXX works at St. Rita School for the Deaf and the school executive director recently announced to the employees that it’s struggling mightily and is seeking a $500,000 loan from the Archdiocese of Cinn.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:28 am
ANY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND LEAVE IT ALONE AND KEEP UP FOR EDUCATION AND ALSO ATHLIE TOO
SHOULD DEAF STUDENTS GET SELL ANY FUND FOR SUPPORT SCHOOL NEED EQUIPMENT AND ANY SPORTS TEAM OR LEAGUE CHATTING FROM HELP PEOPLE TO SUPPORT SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND ALSO PARENTS SHOULD PAY FOR MEALS EVERY MONTH SO KEEP SCHOOL BUILD UP
PUBLIC SCHOOL ALWAYS SELL ANY FUND AND PAY STUDENT’S MEALS WOULD BE 50-50 NOT FOR FREE.
BLIND AND DEAF KEEP STAY SCHOOL AND THEY NEED EDUCATION UNLESS TEACHERS SHOULD NEED GET VOLUNTEER PARENTS HELP DEAF AND BLIND STUDENTS FOR BETTER EDUCATION AS ALONG NEED IT AND BE RESPECT EACH OTHER AND COMFORTABLE
DON’T NEED GO TO PUBLIC SCHOOL BECAUSE IT IS FRUSTRATION TOUGH FOR THE DEAF/HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS DON’T UNDERSTAND TEACHERS WHOEVER TALK TO FAST WHILE INTERPERTER SOMETIME MISUNDERSTAND OR EITHER COULD NOT CATCH WHAT HAVE TEACHER TALKING.
DON’T HURT DEAF AND BLIND PEOPLE’S FEELING AND DON’T GO TO STRANGE STUDENTS OR TEACHERS TOO
DEAF PARENTS GET THEIR CHILD/CHILDREN GET SSD THEN PAY HALF FOR SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF/HARD OF HEARING AND BLIND TO BE EQUAL LIKE HEARING PARENTS ALWAYS PAY FOR STUDENTS AS RESPECT AS NOT TO SELFISH.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:41 am
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,
HI i just want to ask the GOVERMENT if they think that the DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING have a fair life with a lot of places that won’t hire deaf and hard of hearing people and i just think it’s just really wrong bec we should be treated fairly and EQUIAL TO OTHER PEOPLE. and i would like for someone to e mail me or what ever. and i’ll be glad to answer any questions that u (the goverment) might have for me. thank you soo much.
thank you,
MOLLY M HACKER
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:48 pm
HELLO
I WATCH DEAF BLOGS THAT IS SAD… I WANT KEEP SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF ARE VERY IMPORTANT THAN HEARING SCHOOL. THE DEAF CHILDREN ARE VERY FAST LEARN ASL,TEACHERS PEER DEA CHILDREN LEARN LOT EDUCATION
MORE THAN HEARING SCHOOL CAN’T DO. THEN IF THE CHILDREN WOULD TO GO HEARING SCHOOL THEN AFTER SCHOOL NO EDUCATION THE KIDS COULD GET TROUBLE AROUND OR HOME, SEE? IF THE KIDS STAY DORMS, SPORTS,AFTER SCHOOL THEY CAN DO WORK CHORES AT DORMS AND GO TOWN OR ETC ARE VERY BEST BEST BEST! THEY CAN KEEP AWAY FROM TROUBLE AND SAFE. I LEARNED LOT AND I THANKED TO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF. I LOVE THERE THAN HEARING SCHOOL..YUCK. I AM SORRY AND SAY THAT. PLEASE KEEP UP AND STAY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF IS ONE OF BEST. NO NO CLOSED ALL. THANKS TERRI
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:06 pm
SUPPORT MSD ALL THE DEAF CHILDREN AND TEENAGER AND ADVANCE ADULT NEED EDUCATION THEIR FUTURE. AND FUTURE THEIR CHILDREN WHO DEAF NEED THAT DEAF SCHOOL KEEP GOING ON AND ON THEREFORE NEVER CLOSING. THEY HAVE LOT OF EDUCATION AND JOBS AND ATHELES SPORTS AND MORES. GOOD FOR THEM LEARNING FOR THEIR GET JOBS BETTER IN FUTURE. I AM VERY IMPRESS OF MSD STRONGEST STAND UP FOR THE DEAF CHILDREN AND FUTURE CHILDREN NEEDS OF MSD. THERE BIG CONTRACTION BUILDING SITES THAT WONDERFULLY BUILDING FOR DEAF CHILDREN NEEDS THEIR EDUCATION IN SCHOOL THE REASON INSPECTOR BUILDING NEED NEW SITES MORE SAFETY FOR CHILDREN IN CLASSROOMS AND CAFE ROOM ALSO WHAT MORE NEED NEW DORM’S FOR GIRLS AND BOYS REALLY NEED SO BADLY. I KNOW IT VERY OLD RIGHT NOW. SINCE I GRADUATION FIGURE OUT LONG TIME AROUND GOING TO BE 40 YEARS NOT GOOD FOR DORM’S VERY IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN S FOR THEIR SAKE SAFETY. PLEASE SUPPORT MSD FAITH.
DONATION SEND TO MSD AS NECESSARY YOUR HELP PLEASE AND THANK YOU FOR SUPPORT MSD.
THANK YOU LINDA
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I would contact my state government to keep our state school for the Deaf open and neighborhood states to open the state run schools. Thanks for MZ for the collection of TV or newspaper news around the country.
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
thanks for this informative page. Parents and community need to act together, to be sure that deaf schools are here to STAY for our deaf children.
A favor to ask? is there any example of letter that we could “use”, with the addition of our experiences and thoughts of saving “deaf schools” or “sending a message of how wonderful deaf school is”…. I know I need an example of a letter. Anyone willing to share?
Thank You
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Mishka Zena
{seesmic_video:{“url_thumbnail”:{“value”:”http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/IMObHNnEUr_th1.jpg”}”title”:{“value”:”Mishka Zena 
”}”videoUri”:{“value”:”http://www.seesmic.com/video/17aQWqtSIn”}}}
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Last Sat, people email me about 17 deaf school cuts and closing. They mention about Maryland School For The Deaf with swim program cut. I want to clear this matter. The swim program is not cut because you read the Frederick news post about frederick co. public schools are going to cut the swim program plus it mention msd in it. but msd is not going be cut only frederick co. public schools however, I know the fact that MSD is not going be cut in swim program Because I am a Pool Operator and Lifeguard Instuctor of MSD. Nexttime please make sure look thru these facts before you put up in blog.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:46 am
According to this DVTV link:
http://www.deafvideo.tv/video/watch/40546/
Pls do go look at comment number 2 that relates to Jim Crow Laws because some parents do expect their own CI child to have ASL social but they are NOT allow to social with ASL children… If you wanna to know more about “Jim Crow Laws” on this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Crow_laws
February 4th, 2009 at 5:55 am
Thank you, R.B. It’s very unfortunate that the writer had to throw in the unnecessary tidbit about the swimming pool, leaving the impression that the swimming pool at MSD will be affected by the budget cuts. Perhaps you and others should contact the reporter regarding your feelings about the misleading article.
I’ve already eliminated the MSD from the list after Mr. Tucker was kind enough to explain more in details, earlier yesterday. I was more than glad to hear the great news.
February 4th, 2009 at 5:57 am
Readers
I suggest you contact the state governors to object to the budget cuts. They need to hear from you. The more people they hear, the more they may reconsider about the budget cuts affecting the deaf scools.
February 4th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Canadian,
that is a good question. Maybe the deaf school has a draft letter it can share with you all.
That would be a good project. If one can find a letter, then share it with others so they all can use the draft as a base one, adding their personal experiences or reasons why the schools shouldn’t face budget cuts, using their words.
Maybe find a volunteer who can help draft a letter. Any volunteer?
February 4th, 2009 at 7:04 am
What GOP Leaders deem wasteful in Senate stimulus bill
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
House Republicans unveil list of “wasteful” Senate stimulus spending
Stimulus bill passed in the House without any Republican support
One provision: A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers
Another concern: $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.
(CNN) — On Monday, House Republican leaders put out a list of what they call wasteful provisions in the Senate version of the nearly $900 billion stimulus bill that is being debated:
The Senate is currently the nearly $900 billion economic stimulus bill.
• $2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.
• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.
• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.
• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (arctic ship).
• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.
• $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.
• $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees.
• $400 million for the Centers for Disease Control to screen and prevent STD’s.
• $1.4 billion for rural waste disposal programs.
Don’t Miss
GOP senators draft stimulus alternative
• $125 million for the Washington sewer system.
• $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities.
• $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion.
• $75 million for “smoking cessation activities.”
• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.
• $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI.
• $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction.
• $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River.
• $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas.
• $6 billion to turn federal buildings into “green” buildings.
• $500 million for state and local fire stations.
• $650 million for wildland fire management on forest service lands.
• $1.2 billion for “youth activities,” including youth summer job programs.
• $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service.
• $412 million for CDC buildings and property.
• $500 million for building and repairing National Institutes of Health facilities in Bethesda, Maryland.
• $160 million for “paid volunteers” at the Corporation for National and Community Service.
• $5.5 million for “energy efficiency initiatives” at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.
• $850 million for Amtrak.
• $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint.
• $75 million to construct a “security training” facility for State Department Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.
• $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems.
• $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations.
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CNN’s Dana Bash contributed to this report.
February 4th, 2009 at 7:34 am
BTW, just for the sake of facts, these schools that are listed closed – are any of them Superintendent – Deaf? Any Hearing? just to see and understand something. Ummm…
February 4th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
The Senate is currently the nearly $900 billion economic stimulus bill.
With that issue and reading the list under that caption… I cannot believe that these items (i.e. Hollywood movie producers – 246 million tax cuts; • $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion; and 100 million for reducing hazards of lead-based paints) are more important than educating deaf children in the Least Restrictive Environment (aka – deaf schools)!
February 4th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Don’t give up all deaf school. If in future if any kids neeed attend to deaf school that mean they can’t learn how sign langauge, education what parents want choose best for children go deaf school are important. I know most of hearing school is more than deaf school not fair… don’t let deaf school down please…
Don’t down scranton state school for the deaf please??? If you want to everyone school need change or improve then figure out way than closed deaf school not right. I’m going vote for keep open deaf school forever period if I were you I won’t let them school closed. How you feeling?
Kelly Davis
Class of 1999 from Scranton State School for the Deaf, Pa
February 4th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Mr. James E. Tucker, superintendent of Maryland School for the Deaf, does not hold a doctorate degree in any field. This is one of the many reasons why he was immediately eliminated from the search of Gallaudet’s next president. Just wanted to clarify. Continue deafing on!
February 4th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Sad day for SSSD…… SSSD is closing its door in June 30, 2009 due to budget cut announced by Governor Rendell.
http://www.scrantontimes.com/articles/2009/02/04/news/doc498a2711117bd544436906.txt
February 5th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I read your comments with great interest, but we need to look at the entire picture of education of deaf children in the United States before we make further decisions.
Are you aware that almost 80% of deaf children are now educated in the public schools? Most residential schools for the deaf have decreased in population. Some schools are now under 100 deaf students. It is not cost effective to operate a facility with so few students and provide them with what is necessary. I realize that in some cases the residential school is the only option. We should consider merging schools in various states in order to have sufficient numbers of students to offer what is necessary for their education. The CEASD is an organization of administrators in education of the deaf. Most of these members represent ONLY their residential school. FEW
administrators in public schools are represented in this organization. As a retired educator of the deaf I am disappointed that we have NOT been concerned with our deaf students in the public schools. The Deaf Community needs to take an active role in putting pressure on these public school systems to do more with the programs they operate for Deaf students. As a child of deaf parents I am disappointed that we have not done a better job in increasing the achievement levels of our Deaf population. The achievement levels of deaf students throughout the US is not good and in many cases is at the same levels we had 40 plus years ago. Because so many deaf students are in public schools, we have a responsibility to do what we can to improve these programs. It is a fact that schools for the deaf are NOT the same as in the past and many more parents choose to place their child in the public schools. I do not see this changing because parents now have the right to place their child in the place that THEY feel is the best. Unfortunately, MOST public school programs for the deaf are poorly administered and many teachers are NOT good. In the area of communication so many personnel in the public schools have poor sign language skills.
MOST administrators of these programs have NO experience in working with deaf children. My last 7 years working in the education of deaf children was spent in the public schools. What a MESS I found. Many of us have overlooked the fact that many parents are having cochlear implants for their child and hoping that they can “fit in” the regular classrooms in their local school system.
I strongly feel that it is time that the Deaf community and parents of deaf children file a class action law suit against the States for providing such poor educational programs for their children. I personally feel that each year more and more residential schools for the deaf will be closing. The numbers are NOT there and the cost to educate each deaf child has increased tremendously. For the most part we should not feel proud of the education of many of our young, deaf children within our educational programs. I am speaking about both residential schools and public school programs.
February 5th, 2009 at 10:20 am
I M VERY OPION ISAY I WANT ALL DEAF SCHOOL MUST BE OPEN AND GOOD FOR DEAF CHILDRENS ANDTEENAGE NEEDS MORE MORE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS YES COUSE IT VERY VERY MPORTANT TO ME YES YES PLSE OPEN I M STILL SUPPORT DEA SCHOOL YES I LVE DEAF SCHOOL AND BE FRIENDSHIP AS BROTHER AND SISTERS AND MORE CLOSER FRIENSHIPS LOVE DONNA EMERY(COFFN) SMILE XO GOD BLESS Y ALWAYS FOREVER
February 8th, 2009 at 11:19 am
According to my strong opinion is to improvement those poor educational programs for their children otherwise, let them closing down rest of the institute. I am not going put my kids out there with those poorest educational programs in the America! What a gross! I know it’s excellent for deaf children to put in the deaf community but sad to see how poor educational program they made.
February 8th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Perhaps someone has already pointed this out to you. The California School for the Deaf is in Riverside, CA, not Riverdale.
February 8th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Martha, thanks for pointing that out. I keep making that mistake as there is a Riverdale in this area. I’ve changed the spelling.
February 8th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Governor Rendell has cut all funding for the Scranton State School for the Deaf. The school will close on June 30th if we can’t convince him to restore our funding. Please go to http://www.sssdsos.org and sign the petition. Contact information for Legislators and the Governor are posted on the website. We need to keep this educational option for deaf kids and their families in PA!!! Please forward this e-mail to all your friends and e-mail contacts and ask them to do the same. We need international as well as U.S. support.
Please consider signing the petition to support the current and future deaf students who need Scranton School for the Deaf to ensure they have a viable educational future, and our international colleagues working at SSSD: http://www.sssdsos.org ; has a link to http://www.petitiononline.com/SSSDSOS/petition.html
My signature and comment is 1201!
Many thanks
Monita Hara
February 10th, 2009 at 4:35 am
I have a question for all the idiots, who are proposing to save money, by mainstreaming Deaf children.
How will y’all find the money to support thousands of could-have-been-employed Deaf people, who can’t work, because they have no training,in about 20 – 25 years?
These closings will save money, at the expense of Deaf Education, but you’ll, ultimately, lose.
February 10th, 2009 at 6:46 am
To Gary Frazer, Guess you have never been in the culture of the Deaf, Duh! If the Hearing side decided to cut courses in High Schools such as Music, arts to save money, its ironic that they don’t cut English, Math or any other courses for that matter. You know that hearing don’t combine with Deaf as hearing doesn’t understand the Deaf culture! I assumed you are a Pro-AGB for that he AGBell wants to “wipe” the Deaf Culture by “forcing” them to speak. Its ironic that AGBell married a deaf woman who has large money to support his researches for telephone and doesn’t credit much to his wife in school books. You hearing hide everything even you act didn’t know and doesn’t want to know.
February 10th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Hello everyone -
This issue is certainly bringing out strong feelings from everyone concerned.
Emotions and loyalties to schools aside, we need to look at the bigger picture.
#70 post by Jim S. Is on the right track in this issue in my opinion as I’m appalled about the state
Of Deaf Education in both public and state schools! It’s unvelievable what is happening and I’m shocked that nothings been worked or done in improving and raising educational expectations!
Why should we keep open the state schools when they have bad education waiting for our young generations and nothing is going to change? We should be looking at closing those schools and keeping the ones that is doing a great job of educating our young people and put our resources in that direction. As it is also fact that the rates are falling for enrollment at the state schools. We would be idiotic to keep the schools that are failing our children solely on sentimental and non-educational reasons which seems to be what alot of the commentary posts are saying.
Now about the public schools and the options for parents. We should be banding together as a Deaf community (yes, by the way I’m Fully Deaf and born that way) to support our youth in demanding better education and higher expectations from the teachers and students alike. And also from parents to participate and learn how to communicate with their Deaf children and participate in their childs life and education.
Fact is – we live in a hearing world. There’s nothing we can do to completely seperate oursleves from the hearing world and it is folly to do so. What we should be doing is learning from hearing and deaf alike. There is so much that we don’t know because we are unable to pick up information like hearing people whether they are conscious about it or not. Communication and interacting with each other is very vital! And to do so we need the tools be it ASL, lip reading, being able to read higher than 4th grade – let’s say college level and being able to verbally talk with anyone we choose to!
I understand everyone point of view be it let’s just
Use ASL no lip reading or speech and the flip side no ASL just lip read and speech. But the truth of the matter, at
Least to me on my own journey as an adult Deaf Individual that it’s important to have ALL of those skills to be able to communicate with anyone regardless of the individual be hearing or Deaf.
I’ll tell you something, my parents found out I was Deaf at 2 years old and that I was born Deaf. I’m the only one in my family that is Deaf. I was fortunate that my mom had some previous experience being around Deaf people as she was best friends with a girl whose parent was the super of Montana School for the Deaf and Blind in Great Falls. So she had some sort of idea. Which is more than most parents of Deaf kids have.
She told me that once she found out I was Deaf, she put me in Oral program but that quickly didn’t work out and we were both so frusterated so she ended up taking me to the U. Of Montana for sign language classes together and we learned sign together and I just took off picking up sign quickly with my mom trying to keep up with me. Smiles.
And she also enrolled me in speech therapy from the get go and worked with me at home along with putting me in mainstreamed programs with interpreter. I admit that I hated her being so hard on me and always wanting me to work at home too when I just wanted to play. And I hated going to speech therapy as well. It didn’t make sense to me because I had no idea how the sounds were really supposed to be like and I had problems with certain sounds.
Anyways, the Montana public school system at one point when I was 6 years old told my parents that they had 2 choices. Either put me in MSDB or go to another state for mainstream education as it was in 1980s at the time. My parents chose to move to WA State and I was mainstreamed there ever since til graduation in 1994 and I continued speech therapy and still signed. I also could read college level by Jr High school and took Honors/AP courses in the mainstream classes with interpreter and no other accompdations and I was the only Deaf student in my Class and I graduated #14th out of 200 kids in my class. Yes there was Deaf program at my school but the program was so basic and still elementary level education and I was shocked. They did try
To keep me in their program but I had tremendous support from my parents and the IEP is a wonderful tool to use and I was able to do what I and my parents wanted to get the best education possible and the school had to follow the IEP.
I did go to WSSD for a bit in high school because
I wanted to experience that and have Deaf social but when I was there I was shocked about the state of the education there at the school. Again basic education. No Honors / AP courses. I ended up having to go toI the public school nearby for that
aspect and went to WSSD for social, PE, and the arts. I also experienced the “mainstream Deaf vs Residential Deaf” issue (I’d not like to use the word discrimination – but it felt like that to me) and That was a real sad thing for me to see because we are already a small minority in the hearing world and to see the Deaf community divided like that and continousally divided in ever smaller pieces for whatever reasons – when we could just put aside all that and be united as a Deaf community supporting each other instead of tearing each other down.
Anyways, I got to admit that I did NOT appreciate my parents doing what they did for me growing up like speech, lip reading and all that. But now with kids of my own and going through some learning experiences, I can say that I am so very thankful and appreciative of my parents and I wouldn’t change what they did for me because I am able to go out and communicate with others on an equal footing often. And thankful that my parents and family even learned sign! Everything counts in their own way!!!
Again, COMMUNICATION and knowledge is vital to having successful interactions with the world, your own family and communities.
Just would like to add something about speech for speech educators – I think it would be helpful to use a dictionary with the correct pronouncations included so we can have the correct idea of how the words are really prounciated as the words are tricky with telling you how to pronouce it as there are rules to that as I didn’t know until taking more speech therapy due to getting CI. So to make it easier learning speech and being successful – I suggest using the dictionary with the correct pronounciations to aid in speech therapy.
Parents – please look at all options available and ask questions, even ask to speak with a few Deaf individuals and learn about what made this work and what didn’t to make the best decision for your Deaf Child as we do speak from experience. Also check out events in the Deaf community and socialize and ask questions – we’d be (I know I would) be more than happy to answer your questions.
Deaf Community- it’s time to put aside our differences and start working together to create solutions and giving our Youth every opportunity they can get be it in mainstream or residential schools and in our own Deaf communities and be open to learning from the hearing world. We all have ideas
it’s time to share openly with open mindedness and courage to do so. I think that’s true Deaf Power.
Thank you very much for your patience in reading through my post! And I hope that this inspires everyone to do better for our Youth regardless of Deaf or Hearing.
Thanks
Take care,
Amy
February 10th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Another perspective – education should not be thought of “one fits all” as every child has different needs (ie: autism, DDD, etc) and factors that needs to be considered. The same is true for Hearing children. So its probably wise to use the resources according to each individual child regardless of what “school” the child goes to.
And I’d also look at faculty / school as well – I’d pick teachers and / or schools that have a passion to HELPING your child acheive it’s maximum potential – not hurting or enabling your childs’ education. What good does it do for your child if the right foundation isn’t in place for success?
Thanks
Amy
February 10th, 2009 at 11:02 am
For Amy and other commenters, please do read my post published today ‘Why Bother Saving Deaf Schools? This may give you some insights the reasons the Deaf schools are still assets to this day. http://www.mishkazena.com/2009/02/10/why-bother-saving-deaf-schools/
February 10th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
as for you guys who wanted to know how to get hte information about the missouri school for the deaf.. im not sure where you can find that information but i do know that it will never close even if theres one or zero students they will still remains open… due to the guy i dont remember his name that helped developed MSD in first place.. signed some paper so Msd is under protection forever and will never be able to hit that school not atleast for few generations
February 11th, 2009 at 12:55 am
Hello everybody again,
Boy!! I surely do understand in this very strongly bonded feelings from many of you after I was really very freak out because I have my own Deaf children, Deaf grandchildren and I really do disappointed if any of these Deaf schools in any states shut down totally because of that stupid cut off budgets which really effected me not feel any right!!!! Why not shut down some of these public schools instead of our very wonderful Deaf schools?? Is this any fair here??
I bet you all know “the most very openly communication is the “KEY” of our life.” Right??????????
HOW CAN WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN POWERS TO HELP OUR DEAF CHILDREN TO LEARN WHILE THERE IS NO DEAF SCHOOLS ONLY TO THESE PUBLIC SCHOOLS WHICH NOT HAVE THE SAME EDUCATION AS WHAT MOST THESE DEAF SCHOOLS CAN PROVIDE VERY GOOD EDUCATION WITH VERY OPENLY COMMUNCATIONS THAT NOT REALLY NEED ANY INTERPRETERS AND MOST OF THESE DEAF SCHOOLS HAVE THEIR OWN EVENTS SOCIALS FOR ANY DEAF/HARD OF HEARING YOUTH CHILDREN?? WHERE ELSE CAN ALL OF OUR DEAF/HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN BE ABLE TO LEARN WITHOUT ANY KINDS OF FRUSTRATIONS AND WITHOUT ANY STRUGGLING AS IF ANY OF THESE PUBLIC SCHOOLS NOT HAVE REALLY GOOD TEACHERS TO TEACH ANY OF THESE DEAF/HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN DUE TO THEIR LACK OF COMMUNICATIONS, EVEN THROUGH ANY KINDS OF INTERPRETERS STILL NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION FOR ANY DEAF/HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN TO LEARN UNLESS THEIR PARENTS WHO ARE WILLING TO WORK WITH THEIR OWN DEAF/HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN AT THEIR HOMES THAT CLOSE ENOUGH AND LET THEIR DEAF/HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN HAVE THEIR OWN CHOICES FOR THEIR BETTER FUTURE.
HERE AGAIN, “KEY” OF OUR MOST VERY OPENLY COMMUNICATION IS USING SIGN LANGUAGES AS YOU KNOW SOME OF US ARE DEAF/HARD OF HEARING THAT ARE DEPENDING ON USING OUR OWN BODY LANGUAGE, AND USING SIGN LANGUAGES IN OUR LIFE DUE TO OUR LACK OF EARS.
I KNOW THERE ARE SO MANY HEARING PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD REALLY “FORGET” US DEAF/HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE WHO ARE THE MOST BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THEIR OWN LIFE LIKE ME, I BEEN STRUGGLING WITH MANY BARRIERS IN MY OWN LIFE WHICH IS REALLY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I BELIEVE THIS IS ENOUGH FOR US DEAF/HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE TO CONTINUE STRUGGLING WITH ANY OF THESE KINDS OF BARRIERS THAT WE ALREADY WORKED ON FOR MANY YEARS FOR EXAMPLE, WITH THE CAPITOL CLOSED ON TV, TTY MACHINES CHANGED TO VIDEO-PHONES AND OTHER SERVICES THAT WE ARE DEPENDING ON IN OUR LIFE. IT’S NOT ANY FAIR TO US THEN WHY CANNOT ANY OF THESE HEARING PEOPLE LEARN AND TASTE OUR FRUSTRATION, STRUGGLING WITH THESE KINDS OF BARRIERS LATELY. THERE ARE SO MANY HEARING PEOPLE DO HAVE THEIR VERY EASY LIFE THEN WHY CANNOT WE DEAF/HARD OF HEARING DO THE SAME??
WHAT IS REALLY MATTER WITH ANY OF THESE HEARING PEOPLE WHO NOT WANT ANY OF US DEAF/HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE TO LEARN HOW TO BECOME LIKE THEM, JUST THAT WE CANNOT HEAR?? IS THIS VERY SIMPLY OR HARD??
PLEASE WE ALL PEOPLE JOIN EACH OTHER TO SUPPORT ANY OF THESE DEAF SCHOOLS AS NOT ALLOW ANY OF THEM SHUT DOWN FOR ANY REASONS!! I REALLY DO CHERISH ANY OF THESE DEAF SCHOOLS IN ANY STATES SINCE ANY OF THESE DEAF SCHOOLS ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR OUR DEAF/HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN!! REMEMBER IN ANY STATES MENTIONED “NOT ALLOW ANY CHILDREN BEHIND!!”
Please keep me updates with any of this information.
Thanks,
Lulu
February 11th, 2009 at 8:40 am
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/02/07/stimulus.cuts/index.html
$98 million for school nutrition
$600 million for Title I (No Child Left Behind)
$16 billion for school construction
$3.5 billion for higher education construction
I have always known it was a joke, “No Child Left Behind”. If teachers are lowly paid, how can a child not be left behind.
See the link that these above has been fully omitted.
Its never for Deaf Schools its always for hearies schools. We never seen funding tends to go to Deaf Schools specifically!
February 11th, 2009 at 11:50 am
governor does not understand how deaf kids grew up alone in hearing world that no commucate, no social and more… Shame on governor look for close to save money and not care how those deaf kids feel in lonesome hearing school. I have hearing lost and I have hard time to social with hearing world, even in my work I tried to talk with them. they dont want to take time to listen and speak to me slow. they left me out. Now governor trying to make kids left out in hearing school to save thier money. Why cant governor, thier lawmakers and else cut thier income to save deaf school. I bet they wont.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:52 am
I glad that Florida governor did do smart move to save deaf school. Now I am watch other states.
February 11th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Hello Everyone,
In response to Lulu, I’d like to post this link which I feel is probably the right response to Lulu’s post – http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=1046498455477&ref=nf
EVERYONE – each individual on this planet, regardless of being hearing or Deaf / HoH has struggles and issues that they have to deal with in life. We do not have the “top distinction” of having the most struggles in the world! What would help each other understand what the other is going through is to stop being judgemental and being assumptive of others and take the time to find out what the person is all about and I guarantee that you would come away with a better idea and appreciation of another person and probably find out at times that you have a easier life than that other person too! If we would all just do that and stop judging without finding out then the world would be a heck of a lot better place to be in! And we would be less afraid of each other as well.
I understand how you feel in regards to interpreters at times for workshops that I’d very much love to have, BUT, I’m doing something about it. I’m doing research and I’ve written up a questionnaire for anyone who would like to fill out questionnaire about their experiences with interpreters so I can see where the strengths and weaknesses are and then work on those weaknesses and create more access for Deaf / HoH in the hearing world for anything! ANYTHING / ANY EVENT YOU WANT TO GO TO! Wouldn’t that be awesome?! So I’m doing something about it. Are you?
I’d like to also mention that I have 2 hearing sons. My oldest son has Learning Disability, Speech / Language disorder, and CAPD. He is now in his 2nd public school which I am very pleased about. The 1st public school didn’t do much with him or his needs. He’s a HEARING CHILD. So he is now in a different school and I kept on top of the ball with the school to push and push to get what my son needs to succeed in school and feel less frusterated and overwhelmed. I got what I wanted and he has an IEP now and he is getting all the services and much more that he needs from the school. And I’m in the process of getting what my younger son needs from the school as well as he has difficulty with reading and needs some more speech therapy. I also volunteer in my sons’ classes, volunteer for their Cub Scouts Dens (2 of them as they are in different Dens), I also volunteer for their basketball and baseball teams. I am doing whatever I can to help them succeed and be involved as a mother should. I also volunteer for my Town Hall and I am also on a Board for a Deaf Domestic Violence (DV)organization. Oh did I mention that I’m a single mom as well and I experienced DV myself. I am also speaking out and doing Q/A panels for Deaf children / parents and for DV as well to put the face of Deaf experiences for Hearing DV organizations as well.
I’m not sitting back feeling sorry for myself and staying in the past / fears – I put on the gloves and decided to learn and do what I need to do to help myself, my sons and I decided to live my life the happiest that I can be! To Move Forward so to speak. And to help others also – that’s why I’m volunteering and doing something.
Thank you very much.
Amy
February 11th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
In response to Frank’s post – talking about $ – are you contributing / donating some money to your own Deaf Community aside from those “annual” memberships to Deaf Clubs???? Volunteering can also help with the costs.
How about donating money to Deaf DV organizations, ANY organizations that need $ to be able to continue to provide any services?
It sort of feels like there’s apathy in the Deaf Community – on one hand wanting services / everything handed to you on a platter just because your DEAF!! but on the other hand not helping out. That’s why I posted that link in my previous post.
How about we do something different – stop feeling / thinking that it’s like it’s Deaf VS Hearing? And be more of fellow HUMAN BEING.
Helping out your fellow Being and strengthen our foundations in every community and making connections / networks with each other.
Amy
February 12th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
What’s about the Arizona School for the Deaf/Blind (Tucson/Phoenix)?
February 13th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
My question is which one is more expensive to spend the budget between Deaf school and mainstream school.
I would say avg 20,000 dollars per head for Deaf school. One Deaf child attends at the mainstream school. It would be cost the government around 120,000 dollars per year to pay three interepters for one Deaf child, who attends each classroom daily. Can you image ten Deaf children need thirty interpters at different grade of class?
I think that all government do not get a picture at all.
February 15th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I read some of this message. I really cannot read all of it only I read mostly important. I have one friend name is April. She got finish school in Louisiana last year or 2 I am not really remember. . She was transfer to mainstream for one full season. She got passed first season but last season is failed. I ask her what mostly difficult? It is poor interpeter between hearing teacher.That hearing teacher has not expired with deaf ppl education. She decided to transfer back to Louisiana school for the deaf to advoid black name or fail graduate. She make it graduate.I am glad her. I have 3 deaf ladies she used work at teacher for deaf kids at mainstream but now not anymore due not good pay. It not look good ahead future for 2010 kids. If my deaf kids go mainstream school,I have to inspection to see what best for my kids. If mainstream school does not fit my deaf kid, I wont send it. I am send it to my home school to run my Videophone to use MVP because MVP can run 4 or 5 screen video run same time same as techer them 8 students on videophone. Might future??? Mainstream school do not have techlogy for the deaf kids. IN my house has techlogy videophone. Because Videophone has education to me. That all I said. Take care.
February 19th, 2009 at 5:59 am
Big Hello Mishka,
Would you please to put website for Scranton State School for the Deaf… http://www.sssdsos.org
Thank You !…..
Neal as NeaLAUGH
March 8th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Hello
So what about St. Rita School for the Deaf at Cincinnati, Ohio?
March 8th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
There had been no official announcement regarding any budget cuts for St. Rita School for the Deaf, when I checked it out.
March 9th, 2009 at 9:21 am
St. Rita School for the Deaf in Cincinnati is private funded by donation, and contributions. Every year in the 2nd weekend of July there is a large St. Rita Festival on the grounds and there are large gambling to raise funds for the school.
March 17th, 2009 at 9:24 am
we want to open deaf school as long many of deaf children learned for thier education ,,I have three deaf granddaughters are deaf and might our new grandson too encouragment to keep deaf children open ,, let conchear implant to close as not fair where the deaf children needs to learn for their education ,, we are very proud of our deag grandchildrn as wonderful asl and others in Indiana School for the deaf to keep open same as Rochester School for the deaf where my family , husband and myself graduated there ,,, dont let close in the states pls open school for them ..
June 29th, 2009 at 6:31 am
[...] Source Link [...]
November 16th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I am deaf from Afghanistan. I want to work and live in the U.S.A . How can I
begin to find a job in the U.S.A ?
There are organizations in the U.S.A that help deaf people find jobs.
They may be able to help, but you would still have to go through the other
work visa channels, etc, before being able to work in the u.s.a .
There are people who help others make the transition from other countries to
the US , you should research them, instead of asking on here. Good luck
PLEASE SAY DEAF GET A JOB FIND