Options in Education

In 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act-Public Law 94-142-entitled children with disabilities to an appropriate education in the "least restrictive environment." This was generally interpreted to mean "inclusion" in local public schools. While some deaf students flourished, others felt isolated and frustrated. Few students would encounter deaf teachers or adults in school who could serve as counselors or mentors. Programs in public schools designed specifically for deaf students continue to grow, but for many children, they are the only deaf students in their class.

President Lyndon Baines Johnson signs the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) Act, June 8, 1965, at a White House ceremony. The need for inproved technical education for deaf students prompted the founding of NTID, which is on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York.

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf

As her teacher reads a story, this deaf preschool child watches and listens through an FM amplification system. The child's mother participates to learn communication strategies during the individual lesson.

Thomas Claggett Elementary School
Prince Georges County Public School, Maryland

This deaf student from a public school in Prince Georges County, Maryland, is signing and speaking with his teacher. Through an FM amplification system he uses his residual bearing to listen as much as possible. The teacher, who is wearing a microphone, is trained to work with deaf students. Several communication options are offered in the county's program for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Thomas Claggett Elementary School
Prince Georges County Public School, Maryland
Photographer: Jim Sherwood