speakmiracles.org

Admissions: Criteria

The DePaul School for Hearing and Speech uses auditory/oral and auditory verbal methods to develop listening, speaking, speech reading, and connected oral and written language skills in children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The children are immersed in a learning environment that is developmentally appropriate and rich in language. As necessary, structure is added to this environment to help children develop communication skills in both formal and informal situations. It is our belief that this program will enable children who are deaf or hard of hearing to become an active part of the hearing world that surrounds them.

To determine if a child is appropriate for the DePaul School Program we look at five criteria:

1. The child's hearing loss and language delays are significant enough to warrant a specialized program for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
2. With the appropriate amplification, the child has access to the majority of the speech spectrum.
3. The parents are committed to an auditory oral education and willing to support their child outside of the school environment.
4. The academic program is appropriate for the child's learning needs and abilities.
5. The child's communication skills, linguistic abilities, and academic skills fall within the range of currently enrolled peers.

It is the policy of DePaul School to provide equal educational opportunities to all students who qualify for admission to the programs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ancestry or national origin.