The school educates both its students and the wider community about deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL), empowering them to communicate effectively and advocate for themselves. This education is crucial in closing the gap between the deaf and hearing worlds.

Charlie is a newly enrolled student who, before attending River Valley, had limited exposure to ASL and deaf culture. Through her education at River Valley, Charlie experiences a profound sense of empowerment and belonging. Her journey from isolation to community participation is a great example of the school's role in educating and empowering its students.

Through various events and daily interactions, the school fosters a strong sense of community and identity among its students. It offers them a space where they can explore and express their identity as deaf individuals without fear of judgment.

Community events at River Valley, such as Deaf Awareness Week, provide students with the opportunity to celebrate their identity, learn about the history of deaf culture, and connect with a broader community of deaf individuals and allies. These events reinforce the school's role in fostering a strong, inclusive community.

The school/community provides a support system for students and their families, offering guidance, counseling, and resources to navigate the challenges of being deaf in a predominantly hearing world. This includes helping families to learn ASL and understand deaf culture.

 A great example of this is , parent-teacher meetings and workshops are conducted in ASL, offering families the tools and knowledge to better support their deaf children. This inclusive approach helps bridge the gap between deaf and hearing worlds.