Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech

Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech is a prominent educational institution dedicated to providing children who are deaf or hard of hearing with the listening, learning, and spoken language skills they need to succeed. Founded in 1867 by Gardiner Greene Hubbard after the birth of his daughter, who was deaf, Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech has a long history of pioneering education for the deaf using oral methods. The school's philosophy centers on the belief that children who are deaf or hard of hearing can learn to listen and speak. Clarke Schools operates multiple campuses in the United States, including locations in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

History

The inception of Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech was driven by Hubbard's personal mission to provide his daughter and children like her with an education that emphasized spoken language, in contrast to the manual communication methods dominant at the time. The school was one of the first in the U.S. to advocate for the oral education of the deaf, marking a significant departure from the manualism approach that relied on sign language.

Educational Philosophy

Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech adheres to an auditory-oral philosophy. This approach is based on the use of residual hearing, speech reading, and spoken language as primary modes of communication. The school employs advanced hearing technologies, including cochlear implants and hearing aids, to maximize each child's access to sound. The curriculum is designed to integrate students into the hearing world, with a strong emphasis on mainstreaming students into regular educational settings whenever possible.

Programs

Clarke Schools offers a range of programs tailored to meet the needs of children at different stages of their development, from infancy through high school. These include:

• Early Intervention Services for infants and toddlers
• Preschool and Kindergarten programs focusing on early literacy and language development
• Mainstream Services to support students integrated into regular schools
• Summer Programs that offer enrichment and social interaction opportunities

Impact

Over the years, Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech has made a significant impact on the field of deaf education. Its alumni have gone on to succeed in a wide range of careers, demonstrating the effectiveness of the auditory-oral approach. The school's commitment to research and professional development continues to influence educational practices for the deaf and hard of hearing worldwide.

Challenges and Controversies

The oralism approach advocated by Clarke Schools has been a subject of debate within the deaf community. Critics argue that it neglects the cultural and linguistic value of sign languages. However, Clarke maintains that its goal is to offer children and their families the option to choose the communication methods that work best for them, emphasizing inclusivity and individualized education plans.

See Also

• Deaf education
• Oralism
• Cochlear implant
• Hearing aid

External Links

• Official Website