Deaf Education
The Deaf Education program at Mae Olson Education Center is a vital part of the School’s Programs. There are two Deaf Education Instructors, one Speech Pathologist, and several interpreters.
Upon entry into the program students are assessed to help determine individual functioning levels, so that classes can be tailored according to individual needs. As students progress through the program they may be mainstreamed into classes with an interpreter at the school, Laramie Junior High, or Senior High School.
In the deaf education classroom assistive technology is in place including: lights activated by alarm systems, computer and internet accessibility, smart boards used for interactive instruction and Frequency Modulated (FM) systems. Also, students who utilize hearing aides have them checked daily for proper functioning, cleanliness, and battery levels.
On-going sign language classes are offered to all staff and students, to ensure that all persons who have contact with the deaf students are familiar with sign language and can communicate with them. The staffs working directly with deaf students are proficient in both ASL (American Sign Language) and Signed English, allowing them to tailor their communications to individual student needs and backgrounds. In addition, for those students who enter the program without signing skills, transcription is used for communication, while they are being taught sign.