Student Support Services
Student Support Services
At Rochester School for the Deaf, we believe students thrive when their academic, social, emotional, communication, and health needs are supported. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with students, families, and educators to provide individualized services that help every learner succeed in school and beyond.
Social-Emotional Learning
RSD's counseling and social-emotional support team helps students develop the skills they need to succeed in school, build healthy relationships, and navigate life's challenges. In addition to providing individual and small-group support, team members partner with teachers and staff to promote positive classroom environments, teach social-emotional skills, and support student well-being across the school community.
The team supports RSD's school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, providing ongoing activities, recognition programs, and school-wide initiatives that reinforce positive behavior, strengthen relationships, and foster a safe, supportive learning environment.
In addition to the PBIS program, the team uses the following curricular programs to support social-emotional learning, with a focus on emotional regulation, empathy building, and anti-bullying:
Counselors, psychologists, social-emotional learning specialists, nurses, teachers, and school leaders work together with students and families to help every student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Communication & Language Development
RSD's speech-language pathologists help students work toward the communication goals identified in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Services are tailored to each student's individual strengths, needs, and family communication goals and may be provided individually or in small groups. Through collaboration with families, teachers, and other specialists, our team supports students in developing the communication skills needed for success at school, at home, and in the community.
Occupational & Physical Therapy
RSD's occupational and physical therapists help students develop the skills they need to participate fully and independently in school. Based on each student's IEP goals, services may support fine and gross motor skills, mobility, coordination, sensory needs, daily living skills, and access to the learning environment. Therapists collaborate with teachers, families, and other members of the educational team to help students apply these skills throughout the school day.
Audiological Services
RSD's audiologist partners with students and families to support hearing technology and access to sound. Services may include hearing screenings, device monitoring, troubleshooting, adjustments, and minor repairs. Participation in audiological services is always guided by family preferences and consent. Our goal is to help ensure that hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive technology are working properly to support communication, learning, and safety.
Student Health Services
RSD's Student Health Center is staffed by experienced nurses who provide first aid, medication administration, health monitoring, and wellness support throughout the school day and residential program. Working closely with families and healthcare providers, our nursing team helps ensure students remain healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
