Our Focus

Focus on Educational Benefits

Each region across the state is unique in what is offered through the grant program. However, one light that shines brightly for each region is the desire for excellence in educational opportunities for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The school districts in the greater Omaha metropolitan area have a strong, well-established tradition of excellent services for deaf and hard of hearing students. These programs were developed before the 1980’s.
Assistance is provided to school programs to enhance the academic growth and performance of their students. The MRP offers a professional and family material lending library, and counseling services. Enhancement workshops are conducted for teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, general education teachers, and educational sign language interpreters.

Focus on Social Benefits

Students in the Metro area benefit from both statewide and regional activities. Guidelines of participation must be followed in order to be eligible to participate. To participate in any activity offered by the Nebraska Regional Programs, students must have a verified hearing difference, found eligible through the MDT process, and be on an active IFSP or IEP. Students on 504 Plans are not eligible to participate.

Statewide Activities may include the following activities: activities may vary each year. Some events are offered on a rotational basis. Transportation is provided as appropriate.

One-day fall event: K-5 th grades
One-day fall event: 6 th -12 th grades
Overnight fall event: 3 rd -12 th grades
Overnight spring event: 3 rd -12 th grades
One-day spring event: K-5 th grades
Academic Bowl: 9 th -12 th grades
Battle of the Books: 5 th -8 th grades

- - - - Deaf Culture in Washington, D.C.: 10 th -12 th grades
        Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of
        Hearing (Optimist Speech contest): 9 th -12 th grades
        Camp Anderson: post 5 th -12 th grades
        Weekend to Sign: family
        Family Camp: family
        Sign language instruction: community and family
        Nebraska Conference on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education: parents, professionals, and Deaf community members

Regional Activities may include:

Family Picnic/Outing fall and spring
Sign language instruction
Regional activities for students and families

Focus on Emotional and Cultural Benefits

Counseling services along with the benefit of large peer groups and reaching out to Deaf adults as role models are just a few ways the MRP meets the students' emotional and cultural needs. The MRP area has the largest number of deaf and hard of hearing students in the state. Currently, area is home to nearly 300 families who have children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Focus on Transition Benefits

Transition skills are embedded within activities.

All opportunities are accessed by completing the Nebraska Health/Authorization online form which can be found on the MRP or Nebraska Regional Programs websites or by contacting the MRP Office.

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