Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Program

Des Moines Public Schools’ Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program provides services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families in the areas of language development, social-emotional development, academic skills, and independent living skills as related to their individual needs. The philosophy of this program is to “Focus on the Total Child”, where the educational staff works with the student and family in facilitating the student’s language, social-emotional, academic, speech, and auditory development.

Students in the program are instructed through a total communication approach, using both American Sign Language and printed/spoken English. Many educational services occur, ranging form in-home visits with deaf and hard of hearing infants and toddlers to self-contained and integrated settings with deaf education certified teachers and sign-language interpreters. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program is proud of its strongly established curriculum contingent with the district’s reading, writing, and mathematics instruction and goals. Auditory trainers and sign language classes are offered.

Please visit the links to the right for more information, or contact:

Becky Curry
Director of Student Services
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs
515-242-8210
becky.curry@dmschools.org

 

Polly Brekke
Deaf Education Coordinator
polly.brekke@dmschools.org
515-242-8237

Hearing callers may use Relay Iowa (transliterating service) at 711 first before calling the work number.