American School for the Deaf

The American School for the Deaf is a comprehensive learning community that welcomes all deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children with unique communication needs. We develop the whole child - intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially.

At the American School for the Deaf, students and families are surrounded by inspiring peers, guided by dedicated and committed staff, and supported by robust technology. We foster a language-rich communication environment that maximizes each student's potential, empowering them to become educated and self-directed lifelong learners.

A strong language foundation is the key to academic success. ASD has always been a leading resource for deaf and hard of hearing students to attain this foundation, and we are committed to doing all that is necessary to meet today's demands and prepare our students for success in a hearing world.

ASD is dedicated to building on our academic and transitional programming with a robust curriculum tailored to the unique learning styles and aspirations of our students. At ASD, we also pay particular attention to not only our students' academic success, but their social and emotional growth, as well.

ASD strives to remain on the cutting-edge of the latest advancements in technology; and we are creating strategic alliances with diverse community partners to provide our students with tangible skills that will prepare them for all that tomorrow may bring.

Founded in 1817, the American School for the Deaf was the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States and a nationally renowned leader in providing comprehensive educational programs and services for deaf and hard of hearing students.

ASD embraces an American Sign Language/English Bilingual approach to provide our students with a dual language foundation in both American Sign Language and English. This approach integrates American Sign Language, speech, auditory training, reading, writing, and the use of assistive devices to enable our students to achieve true language and communication literacy and become successful, lifelong learners.

ASD is equipped with the latest technology to provide students with total access to language – this includes signing, captioning, and advanced digital systems to assist students with hearing aids and cochlear implants. We firmly believe that the use of sign language is also critical to ensure that our students benefit from communication access in all environments. Exposing children to a communicatively accessible environment at the earliest possible age results in language development and academic success. The bilingual approach will foster this accessible environment while providing our students with the tools to achieve fluency in two languages.

In addition to a robust mission statement that guides the decision-making process across the entire school, ASD's accomplished leadership team possesses the skills and experience necessary to address all aspects of school operations. From the classroom and residential life program to the business office and administrative team, every program at ASD is part of an intricate process that works together to strengthen our mission.

ASD's professional staff includes highly qualified Masters level teachers. Our teachers are experts in analyzing current state standards, adapting those standards to be accessible for deaf and hard of hearing students, and developing data-driven, differentiated curricula designed to meet the individual needs of each student. We believe that a school's success depends largely on employing the right staff to execute a strong curriculum designed to meet the needs of all students. At ASD, we continually evaluate the positions within the school and how they fit and function within the overall organization.

ASD has been recognized by the Connecticut State Department of Education/Special Education Resources Center (SERC) as a Model School for PBIS, a nationally-recognized framework utilizing Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports. ASD is a pioneer in successfully utilizing this framework across the campus, including academic, residential treatment, and residential life settings.

In addition to our academic and residential programs, ASD also offers a strong transition program designed to prepare students for life after graduation. We provide high quality vocational classes for our students, both on campus and off, and we offer a wide variety of work-study experiences to provide students with critical employment skills.

The American School for the Deaf is a 202-year-old institution that does many things well. According to the results of a climate survey conducted in 2018, our school's strengths include:

- Mission-driven
- Student-centered
- Culture of respect and kindness
- State-of-the-art technology
- Warm and inviting campus
- Dedicated and enthusiastic staff

To remain the premier educational resource for deaf and hard of hearing students, we must never be satisfied with the status quo. We consistently modify our programs to meet our students' unique learning needs - and prepare them for a lifetime of success.

ASD's 2019 - 2022 strategic plan includes several areas of focus, including:

- growing our enrollment
- enhancing our educational, vocational, and transition service offerings
- augmenting the American Sign Language/English Bilingual approach in the classroom
- expanding our presence nationally and internationally
- enriching the residential experience for our students who call ASD home
- sustaining a culture of transparency, accountability, and open-communication
- ensuring continued financial stability
- developing efficient data collection and analysis processes