Idaho Schools for the Deaf and Blind Auditory/Oral Program

In August 2003, a three-year partnership began between the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind (ISDB) and the AG Bell Program Assistance Project (PAP). ISDB recognized that it was time to create an Auditory/Oral option for their young deaf and hard of hearing students in Boise and Meridian School Districts. Major changes in ISDB’s outreach program have occurred.

• Certified teachers of the deaf were hired and received intensive training.
  • Speech, language, and auditory skills development workshops were provided.
  • On-site mentoring was provided by master auditory/oral teachers.
  • ISDB teachers, as well as, regular education teachers observed national award-winning Auditory/Oral programs in other states.

• In 2003, Auditory/Oral programming was provided at the preschool level. Currently these services are provided in Early Intervention, preschool, kindergarten, and first grade.
• ISDB created a mission and program statement supporting an Auditory/Oral option.
• The Auditory/Oral program is now housed at River Valley Elementary in Meridian School District. The administration and staff there are very supportive of ISDB’s outreach program providing mainstream opportunities for all of deaf and hard of hearing school age students.
• The level of audiological support has been increased by ISDB.
• Exceptional progress was made and documented by all students participating in the program reflecting the quality of teaching provided.

Mary Dunne, the current superintendent of ISDB, was actively involved in the successful creation of the Auditory/Oral program. Her current staff, April Nelson, Leslie Otto, Patty Unger and Kristin Negilski, have worked hard to develop these skills and to make this program a success. It has been a pleasure working with such dedicated professionals!

John Schmidt
Program Assistance Project
Alexander Graham Bell Association