Communication Philosophy
The McAllen Independent School District Regional Day School Program for the Deaf believes that Total Communication is the best approach for all of our students. It encourages the use of all available methods of communication to support language development in children who are Deaf and hard of hearing. Our RDSPD communication philosophy follows Texas Education Code (TEC) Sec. 29.303 which says, “ Students who are Deaf and hard of hearing must have an education in which their unique communication mode is respected, used, and developed to an appropriate level of proficiency.”
McAllen ISD RDSPD understands and respects that Deaf and hard of hearing students come from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and communication needs. We offer tailored options to support each student's unique language needs, including but not limited to, listening and spoken language, as well as manual-visual languages and systems. Students may also acquire and utilize skills related to speech reading and the use of assistive technology. Itinerant students will be provided with services specific to being Deaf and hard of hearing based on individual needs.
McAllen ISD’s RDSPD knows that early intervention is the key to successful Deaf and hard of hearing students. Our Parent Advisors work closely with Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) to provide support to parents of Deaf and hard of hearing children younger than 3 years of age. Parents are provided with communication options, through an unbiased approach in order for the parent to decide what is best for their child and family. Following our referral process, children are then set up on the path that best fits their individual needs as soon as they turn 3 years of age.
Follow us on Social Media
