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Communication Philosophy
The goal of the Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD Communication Philosophy) is to support each RSD student in reaching his/her maximum potential as stated in the Mission Statement of the school. Acknowledging the role that free, open, and abundant communication plays in human development, we affirm the right of every student to understand all communication in the school environment and also to be understood by all people in the school environment. On the RSD campus, therefore, RSD staff are expected to use sign language at all times, except for teaching activities that have as their primary goal the development of RSD students' spoken language communication skills (speech, listening, and speech reading).
 As a school under the direction of the New York State Board of Regents, we expect RSD students to gain mastery of English and other New York State-required content areas. Further, we recognized the importance of all students having a language in which to think and communicate. All RSD students, to the best of their ability, need to develop communication skills in two languages, English and American Sign Language (ASL), and they need to be supported in their efforts to achieve their maximum potential in reading and writing, speech reading, use of residual hearing, speaking, receptive and expressive signing and finger-spelling. RSD students need to use their communication skills in a variety of situations as appropriate, depending on their individual needs and abilities.
It is important, therefore, that RSD staff members provide positive role models for two languages, English and American Sign Language (ASL). Staff members must be able to recognize, respect, and reinforce the individual communication capabilities and needs of each student. They need to be able to design and employ a flexible approach that will best facilitate each student's development of English language skills, American Sign Language (ASL) skills, and mastery of content areas.
Likewise, it is important for all students, staff, and families of the Rochester School for the Deaf to learn about the cultural diversity that exists at the school and in the world. Each person should respect the individual differences and needs of others. Everyone will be given an opportunity to gain awareness and understanding of deafness, Deaf and Hearing cultures, English and American Sign Language (ASL), and deaf heritage. This should enhance the cross-cultural interaction of all people who comprise the RSD community.
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