Many things need to be considered when parents make decisions with respect to their child's education. These include: where they live, access to services, amplification, mode of communication and therapy options.
School divisions generally support students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing within the context of the neighbourhood school. These students may receive the support of a variety of professionals including, but not limited to: Consultants for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Interpreters, Speech and Language Pathologists, Auditory/Verbal Therapists, and Audiologists. Computerized note-takers or educational assistants may also be provided to assist in meeting a student's academic and programming goals.
In addition to services they may have locally, school divisions can request consultative support from Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Unit.
Parents may choose to have their children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing and who communicate in American Sign Language (ASL) attend classes at the Manitoba School for the Deaf (MSD). MSD is a Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 school offering both bilingual-bicultural and bilingual-bimodal programming. American Sign Language (ASL), English and spoken language are used and valued in the school. Language development and instruction are key to and the foundation for all learning. The recognition and acceptance of Deaf Culture and language provides a valuable foundation for the development of self-esteem in Deaf students. Please see the Manitoba School for the Deaf website.
