Communication at Willie Ross School

The key aspect of the communication methodology at Willie Ross is to create access to the instructional model and to develop language.  A conclusion that we have reached is that models of instruction have often been dominated by a particular communication methodology.  The limitations of a single approach have sometimes restricted the utility of these offerings in reaching a heterogeneous population.  The increasing choice of cochlear implants serves as another significant reason why we have adopted a communication methodology which is designed to meet the needs of our students in different settings.

In order to ensure that a consistent instructional approach is provided to all Willie Ross students, our methodology of classroom instruction is simultaneous communication with an English-based sign language system.  The value of sign language can be found not only in its capacity to enhance access to instruction, but also to expand communication and language development.  The emphasis on the development of spoken language at Willie Ross is intended to offer students the opportunity for extended use of their residual hearing and a model for their own oral use of language.  Because accessibility in instructional settings is essential, we have adopted the simultaneous communication method.