A descriptive follow up study of post high school deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers who attended the Grand Rapids Public Schools oral deaf program

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Authors
Austin, Richard W.
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Issue Date
1973
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Thesis (M.A.)
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Abstract

The Grand Rapids Oral Deaf Program has been in existence since 1898. For many years, the program involved only the elementary level. Then, in 1961, a junior and senior high school program was begun so that the deaf or hard-of-hearing student desiring to learn by the oral method, could stay in Grand Rapids for his entire education.The oral method is the only program provided for the deaf and hard-of-hearing in Grand Rapids. Consequently, a student not able to function with oralism had been forced to either struggle with the oral method or attend the State School for the Deaf in Flint, Michigan.The oral deaf program in Grand Rapids is an outstanding program and has drawn parent interest from all areas of Michigan. The parent group is a very active one which yearly generates many hundreds of dollars for the school. They are active in state and national parent group organizations which are also striving for oral programs for the deaf. This dedication is excellent. However, it allows no program for the deaf or hard-of-hearing child who cannot function orally. This is not good.Surprisingly, a formal evaluation of the program had never been initiated. There was a definite need for a gathering of information to provide, at least, the beginnings of a frame of reference for future studies.The objectives for the study were: 1) to gain the deaf and hard-of-hearing consumer's perception of certain aspects of his formal educational experience; 2) to assess the subject's current status of employability, community activity and social life style; and 3) to provide information to assess the relevancy of curricular practices.

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