Communication Philosophy

Plano RDSPD Communication Philosophy

Updated August 2019

The Communication Philosophy of Plano RDSPD is designed to enable each student who is deaf or hard of hearing to:

• Develop communication for school, home, and community

• Obtain literacy in the English Language

• Have appropriate access to the general education curriculum

As a program, we believe that communication underlies all student success. We will provide all students the opportunity to communicate in his/her optimal mode based upon family choice and ongoing communication assessment. Early identification and parent involvement are key in developing a language base for further academic and social growth.

Plano RDSPD staff respect a variety of communication options, multiple research-based curriculum strategies, the choices of the family, the choices of the Deaf Community, and the use of technology for communication access. An individualized plan will be designed for each student whose receptive and/or expressive language is not age appropriate and whose academic abilities are not on grade level. An educational team consisting of professionals and parents will review assessment to develop an individualized communication plan.

Regardless of the communication mode, access to language and instruction is often at the center of most of the students’ struggles. IDEA mandates that schools “support the use of assistive technology devices and assistive technology services to maximize accessibility for children with disabilities.” We ensure that each student’s auditory access to communication and instruction is maximized through daily listening checks and ongoing assessment. We ensure that visual access to communication and instruction is maximized through certified interpreters and qualified CART providers.

Click here for additional information on determining which communication option is compatible with your family and your child’s needs.

Language and academic growth is strengthened through the development of a healthy self-concept, self-advocacy skills, auditory skills, pragmatic skills, social skills, theory of mind development, and conversational competency. As a program, we assess and address these additional components for student success.