Katrina
The Beverly School for the Deaf (BSD) program provides a full academic curriculum and bilingual education for students ages 3 up to 22, who are Deaf and hard of hearing, with or without assistive listening devices or additional diagnoses. Hearing students who utilize ASL as a primary mode of communication are also considered for enrollment. Students may have developmental delays and/or medical needs. General principles of ABA are utilized in classrooms, as needed, and many students are multimodal communicators, using AAC devices to repair breakdowns in spoken or signed communication. BSD uses language that is visually accessible and incorporates best practices and current research in Deaf education. Communication is a priority and language skills are systematically targeted throughout each day, building a foundation for literacy development. We equally value the use of ASL and English. For students with auditory access, programming may include services to support listening and spoken English; all BSD students are exposed to English print. Further, BSD classes emphasize the development of receptive and expressive ASL. Students in the BSD program study the history, culture, and language of the Deaf community. Beginning at age 14, a comprehensive Transition Plan is developed and implemented, taking into account instruction, employment, community experiences, and adult living. Students and families are supported through the process, helping students become as independent as individually possible.