Residential schools can provide the deaf student with a fantastic learning environment and immerse them in Deaf culture.  There are however, two sides to everything.

Pros:

• Designed for Deaf students
• Peer interaction
• Use of American Sign Language (ASL) by most students creates a uniform language to communicate with
• Deaf children have Deaf role models
• Exposed to Deaf culture

Cons:

• Children live away from home and from their families
• Difficult for teachers, advisors, etc. to meet the needs emotional and physical needs of all students

Resources:

Zapien, Cheryl (1998, July 15).  Options in Deaf Education - History, Methodologies, and Strategies for Surviving the System.  Retrieved July 1, 2009, from Listen Up Web.  Web site:  http://www.listen-up.org/edu/options1.htm

Kristen Mounts Thompson

July 1, 2009