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Oklahoma School for the Deaf Satellite Open for Learning in Chickasha

Learning is important but recess is the coolest. OSD Satellite at Chickasha students take a break from learning for some monkey business.

OSD Satellite at Chickasha students learn to use sign language as well as their voice to cover all the language building blocks.

Aren't ants cool? At the early childhood age ants are a wonderful mystery but even better when shared.

CHICKASHA, Okla. —Pre-schoolers who are deaf or hard of hearing and live within 60 miles of Chickasha have another educational option. Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) now has a preschool satellite on the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) campus. It offers the same educational program and specialized training as the main campus in Sulphur.

“Deaf or hard of hearing students, especially at pre-school age, need their education to be tailor-made for their individual needs,” Carolyne Paradiso, OSD satellite administrator, said. “A major focus needs to be on language.”

“Without the proper language building blocks, a child will have a harder time learning as he or she moves into the higher grades. We sit down with the parents and discuss the best communication plan for their child. When we start the language process, whether it is ASL or auditory verbal, the parent must be involved and work the program at home too.”

Two popular communication approaches are auditory-verbal and American Sign Language (ASL). The auditory-verbal method develops the listening and speaking skills of the child. ASL is a visual language using hands, facial expressions and body movements to communicate concepts and ideas.

Thanks to the efforts of Oklahoma Legislators, Sen. Ron Justice (R-Chickasha) and Rep. Susan Winchester (R- Chickasha), who co-sponsored the legislation that allowed for the expansion of OSD to an underserved area of the state, but no additional funds were allocated.

“This area needs this school,” Paradiso said. “Deaf children who receive specialized education are given a level playing ground to succeed educationally. We can’t thank Sen. Justice and Rep. Winchester enough for their efforts to make this school a reality.

“While the expansion was allowed by legislation, our hopes are high that funding for the school is allocated from the state this year,” Paradiso said.

Until the OSD satellite is fully funded by the state, the school currently can only provide for early childhood age (2 to 5 years) and one bus route.

“The plan is to have four bus routes that cover the southwest quadrant of the state, but until then, the only students we can transport are those from the Lawton area,” Paradiso said. “However, students whose parents can drive them in are welcome from anywhere.

“Funding will eliminate the need to restrict our services to the one area.”

This is no ordinary school. It is unique because of the partnerships that OSD has formed with USAO and their Deaf Education Program and the Jane Brooks Foundation.

These collaborations will bring resources from students in the Deaf Education program providing hands-on student teaching as well as experience for these soon-to-be teachers. The Jane Brooks Foundation will support the school through various charitable contributions. OSD will provide the high quality and specialized education all deaf and hard of hearing children need.

The OSD, including its satellites, is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), a state agency which assists Oklahomans with disabilities through vocational rehabilitation, education, employment, independent living programs and the determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits.

OSD has been located in Sulphur since 1908. OSD provides residential and day school educational services at no charge for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The school provides a range of outreach programs, including pre-school programs and onsite consultation for public school students, their families, public school districts and communities statewide.

Parents may call OSD about this satellite program at 888-685-3323 for information about admission requirements, the application process or to arrange a visit.

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