Instructional Services

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Instructional Program

VSDBM-H affords students the opportunity to earn a special diploma or a certificate of attendance. The functional skills program focuses on preparing students for supported work placement. The developmentally-based curriculum emphasizes daily living skills and includes community-based instruction. The vocational program provides instruction and training in a variety of areas. Students participate in on-the-job training programs under the supervision of job coaches or individual attendants. Instruction based on the student's Individual Education Program (IEP) is provided through small classes, endorsed teachers and a variety of support staff. Communication skills including American Sign Language, English, speech and speech reading are stressed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Blind and visually impaired students have access to Braille and large print materials in addition to audiotape devices and descriptive videos. Extensive technology is available for instruction and student use. A Local Area Network (LAN) connects all classrooms with the library media center through the use of computers. Computers are available in every classroom as well as computer labs in the dormitories. A variety of assistive technology devices are available to assist blind students including textural and graphic materials, all are available in the school library. Captioned video materials are provided for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

The school has a pre-school program for children with cochlear implants. A language rich environment is provided in order to develop the oral language abilities of students.  Interactions with non-disabled peers during instruction facilitate the listening and speaking skills of the preschool students.  Students are provided with intense speech and language therapy as well as audiological and other needed related services.