Manchester Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Manchester Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is part of the Manchester
Public School system. It is a regional program which serves students from
Manchester and thesurounding districts. The program provides educational and
related services to students who have an educationally significant hearing loss. Students
attend preschool, elementary school, middle school and high school classes within the public
school system with the assistance of trained teachers of the deaf, educational assistants and
interpreter/tutors. Educational services may be accessed in the regular classroom or in
resource settings, based on each individual student's needs and the appropriateness of that setting
in meeting those needs. Each student's Individual Education Plan may include speech therapy,
counseling and other related services, depending on individual needs.

PROGRAM GOALS

to provide specialized programming designied to meet the individualized needs of students

to provide communicative access to school curricula via sign language and visual learning strategies.

to foster a positive sense of self through daily interactions with Deaf, hearing and hard of hearing peers and adults

to maximize linguistic competence within each child's preferred communication mode:

including sign language, speech and audition and reading and writing

HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS
(Preschool - Grade 12)

Hard of hearing students with a mild to moderately severe hearing loss have several educational options.

Instruction can be provided in small group inclusion models and/or small classes.

Spoken communication is amplified and information is visually accessible for students who need it in classrooms, small groups and assemblies.

Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and a Speech and Language Pathologist consult with regular education teachers and staff on the implementation ofappropriate auditory equipment for each child, including: FM systems, sound field systems and/or cochlear implants.

If supportive manual communication is needed, sign language interpreters provide visual access to communication for students in the regular education classrooms.

Staff includes Hard of Hearing role models.

A Hard of Hearing peer group allows the students to gain a sense of belonging, positive self-image, pride and confidence.

DEAF STUDENTS
(Preschool - Grade 12)

Deaf students participate in creative and challenging learning environments.

Teachers of the Deaf porvide instruction through American Sign Language and written English.

Teachers of the Deaf cover all curriculum areas in small classes.

The Program offers interpreted mainstream opportunities, utilizing a team teaching approach
and/or consultation by Teachers of the Deaf.

The staff includes Deaf role models.

Guests from the community provide workshops for the students.

Students participate in Deaf Awareness Week Activities.

Students are encouraged to develop an understanding and appreciation of Deaf Culture.