Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)

Vision Statement

The Edmonds School Districts Regional Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program pursues excellence for students in Deaf Education through visually accessible learning environments that promote literacy, problem solving skills, and academic and social growth in the least restrictive environment (LRE).  Staff empower students to develop their intellectual, social and emotional potential to the fullest in order to function as a contributing member of today’s society.  The program has Teachers of the Deaf working alongside highly trained para-educators providing American Sign Language, English and technological literacy with total dedication to the students.  Additionally, this program provides support services staff (SLP, Counselor, Psychologist, and Hearing Therapists) trained in the field of Deafness. Students engage in safe learning environments that are designed to encourage equality and respect, utilizing a rigorous curriculum that meets the needs of the Common Core State Standards. The Edmonds Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program is committed to on-going partnerships with families, communities and school districts.  

The Program

Our program is a regional program that provides access to quality education to students who use sign language from ages 3-21. We are currently serving 60 students from 18 different school districts north, east and west of Seattle, Washington.  Services provided include:

• a comprehensive and effective educational environment;
• a critical mass of Deaf peers in each classroom that provides social, emotional and academic advantages to the students;
• small group and 1:1 support in a variety of settings such as self-contained classrooms, team teaching (teacher of deaf with general education teacher), blended classes (teacher of the deaf teaches deaf and hearing students together), and general education classes with interpreter support; direct specialized instruction to enhance independence, academic, communication and social skills;
• direct and indirect American Sign Language instruction;
• opportunities to develop pride in their Deaf culture as a part of the Deaf community and feel comfortable working and socializing with their hearing peers; parent support and education;
• consultation with other schools and neighboring districts regarding students with hearing loss;
• interpreter services for students in general education classes, District offered before and after school or weekend activities, and Special Olympics;
• and interpreter services for deaf staff and community members at district activities.

Ultimately, DHH students gain the confidence, knowledge and skills necessary to accomplish their goals and become successful, productive and contributing citizens of society.

The instructional program focuses on the skills necessary to meet the proficiency and graduation requirements established by the Edmonds School District.  Diplomas are awarded to students meeting these regular or differential standards as indicated in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).  In addition to the basic academic program, students receive career and vocational preparation.  Services to attain these goals are provided by specialized personnel trained in instruction, speech and language therapy, interpreting, audiological services, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and career planning.  All program staff are fluent in sign language and are trained and experienced in the field of Deaf Education.

We provide a conceptually accurate signed environment using American Sign Language (ASL) primarily and Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE) with added support from a broad range of aural/oral and manual communication modes to meet individual student needs.  Our goal is to provide a language rich environment that will enhance language acquisition and facilitate the development of communication competency in both ASL and English.

For more information:

Alicia Carter

Director of Deaf Program
Phone: 425-431-7213
Email: Alicia Carter

DHH Blog

EWHS Deaf Program Does Broadway!

2/26/2018

Once again the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, with Lori Seago, reaps the benefits of a collaboration with
Seattle Theatre Group. Five years ago it was a project with the Broadway production of War Horse. This time,
the EWHS Deaf students and staff had the amazing opportunity to attend the ASL interpreted performance of
Hamilton. Prior to seeing this inspiring play, the students reviewed Alexander Hamilton’s life and
achievements, along with learning the name signs to be used for each character in the play. As a follow-up, a
Hip Hop dance artist, Rex Kinney, is meeting with Seago’s students for 3 sessions of Hip Hop. Many thanks to
Seattle Theatre Group for making these opportunities available for our deaf students. And thank you to the
staff supporters…Elizabeth Sieler, Kristy Sorenson, Jennifer Luce and Emily Bishop.

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