Executive Director's Message American School for the Deaf

Dear Friends:

The American School for the Deaf is a pioneering learning community dedicated to innovation. We strive to remain the premier educational resource for deaf and hard of hearing students by developing innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.

While we navigated through an unprecedented global pandemic, our committed team of teachers, teacher assistants, residential counselors, deans, therapists, and guidance counselors never wavered in their support of our students academically, emotionally and psychologically. While our direct service staff fought vigorously to maintain a sense of normalcy in our classrooms and dorms, our faithful security, plant operations, IT, food service, business office, development, and administration staff adapted to the ever-changing situation to keep our campus safe, secure and fiscally strong. Overcoming these challenges would not have been possible without the encouragement and collaboration of our loyal Board of Directors and community of supporters. We can be proud in the way we came together as a community to support each other while continuing to move ASD forward.

Though we are reminded daily of the ongoing nature of this pandemic, we have every reason to be hopeful that the darkest days are behind us and a brighter tomorrow is on the horizon. We will soon begin formulating our vision for the future through the development of our next strategic plan. We will refocus our efforts to expand our footprint and ensure equal access to education for deaf and hard of hearing students everywhere. To accomplish this great task, we must commit ourselves to moving forward with renewed optimism and the courage of our convictions.

We are grateful for the continued generosity of our many friends and community partners. On behalf of the entire ASD family, thank you for helping us to prepare our students for a lifetime of success.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey S. Bravin
Executive Director

List of 8 items.

Growing

our enrollment
Enhancing

our educational, vocational and transition service offerings
Augmenting

the American Sign Language/English Bilingual approach in the classroom
Expanding

our presence nationally and internationally
Enriching

the residential experience for our students who call ASD home
Sustaining

a culture of transparency, accountability, and open-communication
Ensuring

continued financial stability
Developing

efficient data collection and analysis processes

American School for the Deaf CREDO

What does it mean to be able?

It means you can.

You have what it takes.

To think.

Question.

Decide.

Dream.

Achieve.

Not just in a classroom, but in the world.

So we prepare deaf and hard-of-hearing students not only for diplomas, but for their whole lives.

By nurturing the whole child:

Intellectually. Emotionally. Physically. And socially.

And by giving every student everything they need to focus not on obstacles or challenges, but on opportunities and potential. Our students and their families find we’re more than a school — we’re a true community, made up of passionate professionals. And using a holistic, ASL/English bilingual approach, we help students and their families be well-prepared to participate in everything tomorrow will bring. Because we want all our students to look forward to futures in which they’re...

ALL ways able.

- Jeffrey S. Bravin

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The American School for the Deaf strives to be an inclusive community that welcomes and celebrates diversity. As a society, we have work to do in the fight against racial violence and discrimination. ASD maintains the fundamental principle that equity should prevail for all, and we uphold the school-wide values of respect, responsibility and safety. As a learning community, we must engage in productive dialogue to combat systemic racism and social injustice. By teaching the importance of equality, we will allow our students to grow into responsible citizens who will change the world – for the better.

Mission Statement

At the American School for the Deaf, students and families are surrounded by inspiring peers, guided by dedicated and committed staff, and supported by robust technology. We foster a language-rich communication environment that maximizes each student’s potential, empowering them to become educated and self-directed lifelong learners.

Vision Statement

The American School for the Deaf is a comprehensive learning community that welcomes all deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children with unique communication needs. We develop the whole child – intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially.