September 19th, 2022

This week is the International Week of Deaf People, and Friday, September 23 marks the International Day of Sign Languages. These initiatives were created to support the human rights of deaf people and promote sign language as part of a vibrant and diverse linguistic landscape.

Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students at the WRDSB

At the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), we support deaf and hard of hearing students in a variety of ways:

  • Most students with hearing loss attend their home school, with support from specially trained itinerant teachers and a board audiologist. Itinerant teachers work with students 1-3 times a week for a few hours and the board audiologist assists with hearing equipment.
  • Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 with more complex language needs have access to specialized programming at Chicopee Hills Public School. In this setting, children are taught literacy and numeracy, using a total communication approach.
  • Students in Grades 4 and up with more complex language needs are integrated into the regular classroom at Chicopee Hills PS, supported by specially trained itinerant teachers and a board audiologist.

All itinerant teachers have been certified by York University’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Education Program.

Resources

  • Learn more about the WRDSB’s Special Education Plan. This plan outlines the delivery of special education programs at the WRDSB. It also outlines the process for early identification and intervention.
  • Learn more about early childhood hearing support services through KidsAbility.