Community Organizing & Activism

For this report, I am researching the Utah School for the Deaf. To conduct this research, I am using their website, as well as first-hand experiences with the staff, faculty, and campuses. USDB states that their mission is to educate Deaf, Blind, and DeafBlind students through enriching activities catered to the individual's needs. Education is a large societal issue within the Deaf, Blind, and DeafBlind space when in reference to modality. USDB offers access to both ASL and LSL (Listening and Spoken Language) classes in an effort to meet the needs of every child and parent. The schools also offer resources for parents through the Parent Infant Program, speech pathologists, physical therapists, and transportation to every child that needs it. Due to the cost of providing such resources, USDB has to fundraise and advocate for better funding within the public school system.
Several times a month, USDB will host after school events for students and their families to curate a community environment. Bingo nights, bowling trips, science fairs, and plays are all examples of past events. USDB also hosts a variety of intermural sports for students in the older grades. 

The Utah school for the Deaf sets a precedent within the state on how Deaf children should be educated. These four campuses are responsibility of the future of the Deaf community, and gladly take on this responsibility. The schools will host Deaf events, local community leaders, and open forums to discuss the Deaf community and the issues it is currently facing. 

I previously worked for USDB as a paraprofessional, and I can see myself doing community involvement with them in the future. I know how the school is run and functions, and the faculty were all amazing. I would love to work with them again in the future.