"In-between"

[deafdyke]

Thank you all so much for the responses- they have really helped me understand things a bit better (especially your post, Deanne ). I think you have also helped me strengthen my resolve to do my hardest to get her into FSDB instead of just settling with mainstreamed schools (at least until she is old enough to have a voice of her own in the matter). I think that by giving her both worlds it will make her stronger in many ways.

IMHO, if a Deaf or a Blind School (or another specialized school/program for low incidence ) is available for early childhood, a low incidence disabled kid SHOULD attend that type of setting, and then gradually transistion to the mainstream. The resources, training etc available at a specialized center based school tend to be a HECK of a lot better, then what would be available in your local district. Even when there's a special needs preschool available, it's usually a whole bunch of different special needs, and nowadays it would prolly be heavy on the mental disability, and autism kids rather then physically disabled, dhh, blind and low vision kids. Plus, most mainstream school preschools....heck most mainstream schools in general aren't really set up well for low incidence kids.

 

[deafdyke]

Your daughter has moderate (in low frequency) to severe/profound (in high frequencies) hearing loss. She is as deaf or hearing as she wants to be, just like all other kids with hearing loss.
She will likely need extra support regardless of the choices you make for her.
(Also, your daughter is audiologically "more deaf" than many of the more out spoken members. But never forget that you are your child's first and best advocate. Limiting her because of something you read here would be very sad)
Let her be the guide (obviously within reason) if she seems very interested in music and spoken language then DON'T force her to only use sign language...but don't stop exposing her to spoken language and opportunities for speaking.
Your daughter is a very young kid. She has an opportunity to become acquainted with many methods of communication.
If your daughter shows a clear preference for one method, go for it. She is your guide through all this.

I see NOBODY suggesting to limit her. More like heavily encouraging ASL and Deaf culture b/c a lot of HOH kids do not get the benefit of ASL and Deaf Ed. Heck, matter of fact, she prolly will only need very minimal speech therapy, and will STRONGLY respond to the speech that is available, since she'd already learned how to talk before going Deaf. Did you know the percentage of Sign only dhh kids is quite small overall? Most do get speech therapies...and from what I have seen a lot of kids in Deaf Ed are quite orally skilled nowadays.........I think you're missing that she'll get oral stuff...there's no lack of oral training. We're just strongly encouraging ASL and Deaf ed, b/c a lot of HOH kids do not get that......

 

[deafdyke]

Not from what I have seen and heard. Besides, you said in the very next post that most kids get them.

that's kids.........most parents have to pay out of pocket or be really poor to qualify for assistance.

 

[TXgolfer]

that's kids.........most parents have to pay out of pocket or be really poor to qualify for assistance.

Again, that is not what I have seen.

 

[TXgolfer]

I see NOBODY suggesting to limit her. More like heavily encouraging ASL and Deaf culture b/c a lot of HOH kids do not get the benefit of ASL and Deaf Ed.

The thing is, we are talking to a proactive mother. That is why some of us are saying to choose the best school for academics. It is entirely possible to attend a mainstream school and learn ASL on the side should they chose to do so. I am not sure what "Deaf Culture" has to do with education and I don't really think that should be a factor in choosing schools. IMAo the child's best chance for success is to receive a good education. Therefore the best choice would be the school with the best academics,the school that challenges the student, whichever school that may be.

 

[shel90]

The thing is, we are talking to a proactive mother. That is why some of us are saying to choose the best school for academics. It is entirely possible to attend a mainstream school and learn ASL on the side should they chose to do so. I am not sure what "Deaf Culture" has to do with education and I don't really think that should be a factor in choosing schools. IMAo the child's best chance for success is to receive a good education. Therefore the best choice would be the school with the best academics,the school that challenges the student, whichever school that may be.

Thats sticky because even in the best schools for academics, a deaf/hoh child can fall behind due to not having equal access to the lessons like hearing children too. It has happened to many deaf children, even in the best public schools. I see it constantly every year.

The important thing is to look out for is if the schools are able to meet the deaf children's visual needs and have a strong deaf/hh program.

 

[TXgolfer]

Thats sticky because even in the best schools for academics, a deaf/hoh child can fall behind due to not having equal access to the lessons like hearing children too. It has happened to many deaf children, even in the best public schools. I see it constantly every year.

The important thing is to look out for is if the schools are able to meet the deaf children's visual needs and have a strong deaf/hh program.

True, but I was referring to this particular case in which the child appears to be a good fit. And there are some areas where a kid who falls behind in a good mainstream school may still learn more than a child in a deaf school. Granted there are good deaf schools as well.

 

[deafdyke]

True, but I was referring to this particular case in which the child appears to be a good fit. And there are some areas where a kid who falls behind in a good mainstream school may still learn more than a child in a deaf school. Granted there are good deaf schools as well.

On the other hand, Txgolfer, you're missing that Early Childhood at Deaf Schools (even the ones where there's a high percentage of mentally disabled kids) tends to be really good. Kids with low incidence conditions should attend a program specificly for their disability for preschool/kindergarten and first grade to get a real SOLID foundation for mainstreaming. I think too that you're automaticly assuming that mainstream is always better. Research has shown that dhh kids who attend Deaf Schools from an early age do better then kids who transferred. There's too much of a risk for dhh (and other low incidence) kids for slipping through the cracks in the mainstream. Even most special ed teachers are only given a very short training on dhh ed you know.

 

[deafdyke]

The thing is, we are talking to a proactive mother. That is why some of us are saying to choose the best school for academics. It is entirely possible to attend a mainstream school and learn ASL on the side should they chose to do so. I am not sure what "Deaf Culture" has to do with education and I don't really think that should be a factor in choosing schools. IMAo the child's best chance for success is to receive a good education. Therefore the best choice would be the school with the best academics,the school that challenges the student, whichever school that may be.

That is b/c you are unfamiliar with how bad mainstream sped can be. You're also not seeing that with the Deaf School option will provide extensive training with well trained TODs who are fluent in Sign, and KNOW how to teach dhh kids. You know what the attitude is in the mainstream? " Oh those kids aren't really deaf." They try to get away with providing VERY minimal accomondations. (ie front row seating, FM, speech therapy and MAYBE in a REALLY generous district, a notetaker or a TOD)
It also seems like you're mixing up Deaf culture with Deaf Ed. Granted the two are related....the center of Deaf culture has always been the schools.

 

[deafdyke]

and actually, if more kids started out attending Deaf Schools or formal dhh programs, then we wouldn't have kids falling through the cracks in the mainstream. Giving kids a strong solid foundation in Deaf Ed would mean that they would have the foundations, training and skills to do well in the mainstream.

 

[deafdyke]

Txgolfer, just to clarify, we're not saying " send her to Deaf School for her entire school career." We're saying that she would get a very strong foundation with trained Teachers of the Deaf, interaction with other Dhh kids, strong foundation in ASL etc.......Also were you aware that kids at Deaf and Blind, and other specialized schools very often take advantage of mainstreaming oppertunties in the local schools? Those schools tend to be better for mainstreaming, as they tend to be experienced with dhh (and in this case, blind/low vison kids)
Remember, the OP stated that they're in a rural district. That means that they probably wouldn't have much in the way of specialized special ed. Heck, even if they were in a suburban school district with a lot of resources, I STILL would strongly encourage placement at the Deaf School, simply b/c you generally won't find really good Deaf Ed resources at a hearing mainstream school.

 

[TXgolfer]

On the other hand, Txgolfer, you're missing that Early Childhood at Deaf Schools (even the ones where there's a high percentage of mentally disabled kids) tends to be really good. Kids with low incidence conditions should attend a program specificly for their disability for preschool/kindergarten and first grade to get a real SOLID foundation for mainstreaming. I think too that you're automaticly assuming that mainstream is always better. Research has shown that dhh kids who attend Deaf Schools from an early age do better then kids who transferred. There's too much of a risk for dhh (and other low incidence) kids for slipping through the cracks in the mainstream. Even most special ed teachers are only given a very short training on dhh ed you know.

Apparently you are too busy venting, to read. I have said repeatedly that parents should choose the best school. That is neutral.

 

[TXgolfer]

That is b/c you are unfamiliar with how bad mainstream sped can be. You're also not seeing that with the Deaf School option will provide extensive training with well trained TODs who are fluent in Sign, and KNOW how to teach dhh kids. You know what the attitude is in the mainstream? " Oh those kids aren't really deaf." They try to get away with providing VERY minimal accomondations. (ie front row seating, FM, speech therapy and MAYBE in a REALLY generous district, a notetaker or a TOD)
It also seems like you're mixing up Deaf culture with Deaf Ed. Granted the two are related....the center of Deaf culture has always been the schools.

You brought up "Deaf culture" in the post I quoted. Perhaps you misspoke. We disagree and I find your post full of exagerations and generalizations.

 

[Jane B.]

I get the impression that deafdyke thinks that Deaf Schools are always the best choice regardless of level of loss.

 

[TXgolfer]

Txgolfer, just to clarify, we're not saying " send her to Deaf School for her entire school career." We're saying that she would get a very strong foundation with trained Teachers of the Deaf, interaction with other Dhh kids, strong foundation in ASL etc.......Also were you aware that kids at Deaf and Blind, and other specialized schools very often take advantage of mainstreaming oppertunties in the local schools? Those schools tend to be better for mainstreaming, as they tend to be experienced with dhh (and in this case, blind/low vison kids)
Remember, the OP stated that they're in a rural district. That means that they probably wouldn't have much in the way of specialized special ed. Heck, even if they were in a suburban school district with a lot of resources, I STILL would strongly encourage placement at the Deaf School, simply b/c you generally won't find really good Deaf Ed resources at a hearing mainstream school.

What I see here are assumptions and stereotypes. My suggestion calls for the parent to evaluate the childs school options independently rather than basing decisions on "very often" and "tend." No offense, that is just how I do things.

 

[TXgolfer]

I get the impression that deafdyke thinks that Deaf Schools are always the best choice regardless of level of loss.

I get that same impression, and IMO I think that is dangerous. This thinking leads to decisions that are based on politics and bias rather than fact.

 

[NitroHonda]

I get the impression that deafdyke thinks that Deaf Schools are always the best choice regardless of level of loss.

My impression is similar but your comment isn't an accurate portrayal. Deaf is deaf is still deaf. It doesn't mean that the school is necessarily the best option. I think she's made that much abundantly clear. For me, it's the immersion of being able to function in both worlds and generally the best place for that are... the Deaf schools. Sign language and the confidence that comes with it is everything.

 

[JadeSkye]

I appreciate everyone being concerned about her education- that is definitely my highest concern. Like I have said before, we live in a very rural county. I myself graduated as Valedictorian from one of the high schools in our county but that isn't saying much (I have always been considered smart, but I also didn't need any special accommodations in school for learning disabilities or other issues)- our graduating class was less than 100 students. The school we are zoned for where we live right now is actually one of the WORST elementary schools in the county- I did what is called "school choice" for my oldest daughter so that she would not have to attend that school and we drive about 10-15 miles one way to make sure she goes to a better school. I like the school she attends but I do not really feel like they would know how to deal with a d/hh student. I plan on doing a bit more research before making final decisions but I honestly believe that FSDB will be the best option for her- I dated a guy who graduated from there so I have only heard good things about the school so far (both he and his sister are blind and both graduated with honors from there and went on to do well in college). We do have a "special needs" school in our county as well, but I have not heard great things about them- it basically sounds like they get a lot of mental handicaps and "behavioral issues" there and I don't think that they would be as well trained to understand her needs either.

 

[NitroHonda]

I appreciate everyone being concerned about her education- that is definitely my highest concern. Like I have said before, we live in a very rural county. I myself graduated as Valedictorian from one of the high schools in our county but that isn't saying much (I have always been considered smart, but I also didn't need any special accommodations in school for learning disabilities or other issues)- our graduating class was less than 100 students. The school we are zoned for where we live right now is actually one of the WORST elementary schools in the county- I did what is called "school choice" for my oldest daughter so that she would not have to attend that school and we drive about 10-15 miles one way to make sure she goes to a better school. I like the school she attends but I do not really feel like they would know how to deal with a d/hh student. I plan on doing a bit more research before making final decisions but I honestly believe that FSDB will be the best option for her- I dated a guy who graduated from there so I have only heard good things about the school so far (both he and his sister are blind and both graduated with honors from there and went on to do well in college). We do have a "special needs" school in our county as well, but I have not heard great things about them- it basically sounds like they get a lot of mental handicaps and "behavioral issues" there and I don't think that they would be as well trained to understand her needs either.

My graduating class at TSD was around 25 including the multihandicapped and repeat seniors. Then my graduating class at MSSD was around 150. Then my public school graduating class... over 1,000. Numbers don't mean anything.

More often than not, they are NOT trained. That is what often happens to mainstreaming special education classes. It's not Deaf ed but special ed which means they lump EVERYBODY with issues in there. Especially the low-functioning special needs kids. Special ed is one size fits all in the public schools while it's not at the Deaf schools.

"I'm not emotionally disturbed. Why am I in a class for the emotionally distrubed?" I remember asking those questions back in the day.

 

[TXgolfer]

I appreciate everyone being concerned about her education- that is definitely my highest concern. Like I have said before, we live in a very rural county. I myself graduated as Valedictorian from one of the high schools in our county but that isn't saying much (I have always been considered smart, but I also didn't need any special accommodations in school for learning disabilities or other issues)- our graduating class was less than 100 students. The school we are zoned for where we live right now is actually one of the WORST elementary schools in the county- I did what is called "school choice" for my oldest daughter so that she would not have to attend that school and we drive about 10-15 miles one way to make sure she goes to a better school. I like the school she attends but I do not really feel like they would know how to deal with a d/hh student. I plan on doing a bit more research before making final decisions but I honestly believe that FSDB will be the best option for her- I dated a guy who graduated from there so I have only heard good things about the school so far (both he and his sister are blind and both graduated with honors from there and went on to do well in college). We do have a "special needs" school in our county as well, but I have not heard great things about them- it basically sounds like they get a lot of mental handicaps and "behavioral issues" there and I don't think that they would be as well trained to understand her needs either.

Sounds like you have your mind made up. I wish you the best.

This would concern me...

The school also is requesting an additional $3 million for 7 percent pay increases for teachers, specialists and support staff. Scott’s budget includes $480 million for pay raises for teachers at public school districts, but because the school is considered a state agency, its employees would not be eligible.
“We have 52 percent turnover in some areas,” said Terri Wiseman, the school’s administrator of business services. “We often lose them to St. Johns and Duval counties.”
More than 30 percent of the school’s staff makes less than $23,000 annually, Prickett told the committee. She said areas like business services, transportation and food service see the highest rate of turnover.

Read more at Jacksonville.com: School for Deaf and Blind seeks about $10 million for upgrades | jacksonville.com