Communication Approach

Founded in 1817, the American School for the Deaf was the first permanent school for the deaf in the United States and a nationally renowned leader in providing comprehensive educational programs and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

ASD embraces an American Sign Language/English Bilingual approach to provide our students with a dual language foundation in both American Sign Language and English. This approach integrates American Sign Language, speech, auditory training, reading, writing, and the use of assistive devices to enable our students to achieve true language and communication literacy and become successful, lifelong learners.

ASD is equipped with the latest technology to provide students with total access to language – this includes signing, captioning, and advanced digital systems to assist students with hearing aids and cochlear implants. We firmly believe that the use of sign language is also critical to ensure that our students benefit from communication access in all environments. Exposing children to a communicatively accessible environment at the earliest possible age results in language development and academic success. The bilingual approach will foster this accessible environment while providing our students with the tools to achieve fluency in two languages.

Mission Statement

The American School for the Deaf is dedicated to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed, lifelong learners.

An ASD Snapshot

ASD is a Connecticut State Department of Education approved special education program and is licensed for residential services by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. ASD is also approved by the states of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Vermont and New Hampshire.

ASD provides comprehensive educational services to students from 110 Connecticut school districts (including our Birth-to-Three program), six states outside of Connecticut, and serves international students.

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