Stateschools for the Deaf

While watching the film in class called, "Children of a Lesser God," you were exposed to a stateschool for Deaf children and teenagers. Stateschools are so important to the Deaf Community as well as the Culture. These schools are like the Mecca of Deaf Culture. Yet, parents have more options now, and so therefore we are seeing more Deaf children attending public schools which result in lower enrollments in stateschools and therefore these schools are being shut down.

What is happening? Accommodations are being offered.
Accommodations such as sign language interpreters, notetakes, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing teachers are placed for equal participation in their classrooms. In the past, these accommodations were not an option so parents had no choice but to send their children away.

Now with the options parents have, mainstreaming is becoming increasingly popular. However, mainstreaming deaf children can be very difficult because the may experience isolation and feel very different among their hearing peers. With the core of Deaf Culture and ASL stemming from stateschools, these children are not exposed to a very important part of who they are and their identities as a Deaf person.

The options are not easy for parents to pick from. Sending your child away to live at school at a very young age; is very hard. I have been faced this very decision with my own daughter. She is currently placed in a public school and has all the accommodations she needs. She has a Deaf mom and Deaf pride is very much a part of who she is. She identifies as Deaf and is proud of that. However, interactions among her peers are difficult. She does experience isolation at school regardless of how hard everyone tries to include her. It is difficult as her mother knowing this and I often feel guilty that I have made the choices I have. I know what she feels because I was mainstreamed. But family is what I wanted her to experience and know, just as my parents wanted for me. She came to me at the age of 5 with no knowledge of what a family is or what it even means. So I made the decision that I did. However, this does not mean that she will always be in the public school setting. She may go to the Minnesota Deaf School in time. We will just have to wait and see.

Information from:
http://www.msad.state.mn.us/index.aspx

Please browse their website as well.

Here is a little information about The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf.

"Building our Future Together"

The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf (MSAD) enrolled its first student in 1863 and takes pride in a rich tradition of serving the educational, social and emotional needs of deaf and hard of hearing students throughout the state of Minnesota.

Located on a beautiful 40-acre campus in the community of Faribault in southeastern Minnesota, the campus features historic limestone buildings nestled among mature oak and maple trees along a circular drive.

Mission Statement
The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf in collaboration with students, families and school districts creates a comprehensive, learning and signing community in a residential environment. MSAD prepares deaf and hard of hearing students to reach their fullest potential by promoting communicative, intellectual, social, physical,
and emotional development in every
aspect of its programs

Residential Program
The Residential Program offers a multitude of learning opportunities to enhance personal growth and development. Through teaching and by guiding; our students receive support which enables them to build and strengthen self confidence and independence. We take pride in our safe, healthy and positive homelike atmosphere where family values are highly respected.

After school socialization offers an opportunity for students to establish and nurture peer relations. The bonds and friendships that are formed will often last throughout adult life. Sportsmanship and teamwork are emphasized in our activities. The staff provide a variety of activities to meet each students personality. Some of our intramural activities include; volleyball, flag football, softball, dodgeball and kickball. In cooperation with Faribault Community Services and under the guidance of our Athletic Director the residential staff coach flag/cub football and volley ball. We have staff certified to train in Firearm Safety, ATV Safety and Snowmobile Safety. A craft room area and weight/exercise rooms are available to all students. Our Semi Independent Living Program offers an opportunity to participate in an apartment living experience. In this program we teach basic living skills such as laundry care, grocery shopping, cooking and housekeeping. “Create a Family” dining occurs weekly. The family structures that have been created are diverse and include varying ages and gender. Our goal is to encourage table etiquette, responsibility and sharing.


In support of the academics program the dormitories have established consistent daily study time routines. In addition; we are proud to offer the Clarence and Elizabeth Sommer Education Center. This area; located in Frechette Hall and staffed by licensed teachers, is available Mon-Thurs 3:30-9:30PM. The Center also includes a computer lab equipped with cutting edge computer hardware and software.


Dormitories are open on return days at 5PM. They are closed on weekends at the end of the school week. You may refer to the MSAD Student Handbook for additional information regarding dormitory rules or guidelines. Further inquires can be directed to Kathy Wente, Residential Hall Director, 507-384-6670 (voice) or 507-412-5108 (VP)

Here is an example of a statschool for the deaf that is located in Washington D.C. it is called, Model Secondary School for the Deaf. Below is a video of the school.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvcc8gpiHF8

What would you do if you were faced with this decision as a parent? (I understand this may be hard as many of you are not parents, but try to look into your future a bit and answer this or think of your parents and discuss what you think they would do)

Which school would you prefer to attend if you were Deaf? Think about it in a different perspective, as a hearing person would you want to go to a Deaf school? What would you feel there? Ponder on these questions and post your comments. Please feel free to post any other comments you may have to each other or to me as well. If you have a question in your post be sure to list that in the beginning like this.

I HAVE QUESTIONS BELOW
Happy Learning!